Dedication, discipline hallmark of new army administration, says COAS

The new Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major-General Tukur Buratai, on Thursday hinted that his administration’s vision would be partly anchored on the dedication and discipline of officers and soldiers.
Buratai said this when he formally took over from his predecessor, retired Lt-Gen. Kenneth Minimah, as the 20th Chief of Army Staff in a brief ceremony held at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
Though the new army chief did not make further comments about his vision and mission for the army, he assured his predecessor that the present level of discipline would be maintained.
“Your tenure as the Chief of Army Staff has brought discipline, everybody has sat up and indeed, discipline has already taken root once again in the Nigerian Army.
“I want to assure you that discipline wise, we will not relent, we will make sure that discipline is instilled and the highest level of discipline will be maintained in every aspect of our operation,’’ he said.
Buratai praised his predecessor for leaving behind a reformed army that was again the pride of the nation.
He said the military under his command would strive to sustain the achievements of the previous army administration and even surpass them.
The new army chief pledged the loyalty of the army to the President and urged all officers and soldiers to maintain the same level of loyalty and steadfastness to the nation.
“I will like to pledge my unalloyed loyalty to Mr President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of our great nation.
“I would also like to urge all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to, in the same vein, remain steadfast and loyal to constituted authorities of our great nation Nigeria,’’ he said.
Earlier, the former Chief of Army Staff said he was leaving the army as a fulfilled and accomplished officer.
He enumerated some of the achievements of the army under his command, stressing that many of the challenges he met on ground had been addressed.
Minimah, who was appointed the 19th Chief of Army Staff, 18 months ago, said he was leaving behind a combat-ready force that was better motivated and well-equipped.
According to him, the result in the field today has justified all our actions and decisions that were taken in the past 18 months.
“You will recall that at the time of my appointment, our army and indeed, the nation was going through one of the worst crises of our history.
“As I hand over today, I am happy to inform you that the Boko Haram terrorism is at the throes of a certain defeat, these and many other achievements were recorded as a result of our collective efforts.
“Today I am leaving behind an army that can hold its own against any adversary without batting an eyelid.
“An army that has vowed never again to concede any inch of Nigeria to terrorists, it is the legacy I am leaving behind.’’
Minimah urged his successor to remain firm and consistent on issues relating to discipline and commitment of officers and soldiers.
He said decisions taken by the army during his command led to the achievements recorded recently in the north-east and other parts of the country.
Minimah urged the new army administration to build on the gains of the past few months and sustain the momentum in the battle to wipe out insurgency in parts of the north east.
He thanked former President Goodluck Jonathan and incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari for their support for the armed forces that had culminated in the successes recorded recently.
Buratai, the 20th Chief of Army Staff, is an infantry soldier and a graduate of Course 29 of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
He held different command and staff positions in the military and was until his appointment, the Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force with headquarters in N’djamena, Chad.