Defence
Service chiefs commend outgoing Defence Minister, Magashi
Service chiefs commend outgoing Defence Minister, Magashi
Nigeria’s Service Chiefs have commended the outgoing Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (Rtd.), for his leadership and contribution to the development of the Armed Forces during his tenure.
The service chiefs gave the commendation at a valedictory dinner organized by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana in honour of the outgoing minister.
Speaking at the occasion, Gen. Lucky Irabor, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), celebrated the minister, adding that he is a man full of wisdom and is detailed who used these attributes to lead the Armed Forces.
On his part, Lt.-Gen. Farooq Yahaya, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), described Magashi as a manager and a general who never failed to impact and impress, adding that the military cannot appreciate the minister enough for all he did for the army.
“He has been with us to the theatre in person several times, going through the details sometimes of our plans and giving very, very vital guides and comments that have helped to facilitate our operations and our activities.
“The army has benefited from him, as well as the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“We remain grateful for everything you have done; we appreciate you, sir.
“We know what you have taught us, what you stood for. And now we are not surprised with what we have seen you do as the minister,” the COAS said.
Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, in his remarks, said the outgoing minister was a resolute combatant officer, an accomplished administrator, and a dogged soldier.
He noted that Magashi was always keen and enthusiastic about the procedures and standards with which the Armed Forces conducted operations to curb the various security challenges.
Also speaking, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, Chief of Air Staff said that the tenure of the minister had been that of selfless service to the nation.
He noted that the pragmatic leadership, assistance, and consistent transformation of the Nigerian Air Force by the minister had been inspirational.
In his remarks, Magashi revealed the level of success the armed forces has achieved in the four years he served as a minister.
According to him, the armed forces achieved over 80 per cent success in destroying Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgency, banditry, and other criminality.
On the working relationship with the Chief of Defence Staff and the service chiefs, he said, “I have come to understand that everything we do requires teamwork and when I joined the ministry, I found that there are lot of things that we were required to do.
“We needed synergy among the members of the armed forces and the ministry. I am proud to see that this has continued. I hope it will continue forever.
“You must continue to be soldiers and I am happy that we are doing what we ought to do for this country.
“We should give credit to the outgoing Commander-in-Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari for realising that there is a need for synergy among the armed forces and other security agencies.”