In the exercise of the powers conferred on him by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on Thursday announced the approval of changes in the nation’s Military High Command.
Air Marshal Alex Badeh takes over from Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim as Chief of Defence Staff, while Major-General Kenneth Tobiah Jacob Minimah takes over from Lt.-General Azubike O. Ihejirika as Chief of Army Staff.
Rear Admiral Usman O. Jibrin takes over from Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba as Chief of Naval Staff, while Air Vice Marshal Adesola Nunayon Amosu takes over from Air Marshal Badeh as Chief of Air Staff.
According to Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, all the changes are with immediate effect.
New Chief of Defence Staff and former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Badeh was born on 10th January 1957 and joined the Air Force as a member of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 21 Regular Course.
New Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Minimah was born on 27th July 1959 and joined the Army as a member of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 25 Regular Course. Until his new appointment, Major-General Minimah was Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps, Jaji.
New Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Usman Jibrin was born on 16th September 1959 and joined the Navy as a member of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 24 Regular Course. Until his appointment as Chief of Naval Staff, he was Director of Training at Defence Headquarters.
New Chief of Air Staff and immediate past Commander of the Presidential Air Fleet, Air Vice Marshal Amosu was born on 1st August 1958 and joined the Air Force as a member of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 25 Regular Course. Until his new appointment, Air Vice Marshal Amosu was Air Officer Commanding, Tactical Air Command, Makurdi.
Abati also confirmed that President Jonathan has briefed the leadership of the National Assembly on the appointment of the new service chiefs and will, in keeping with the provisions of the law, request the National Assembly to formally confirm the appointments when it reconvenes.
Huhuonline.com learnt that the President has informed the National Assembly of his decision and the new appointments.
Lagos-based lawyer, Festus Keyamo had earlier demanded the sack of Lt-General Azubuike Ihejirika, Chief of Army Staff; Air Vice Marshal Alex Sabundu Badeh, Chief of the Air Staff and Rear Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba, Chief of Naval Staff giving the President 14 days ultimatum.
Keyamo had latched on the judgement of Justice A. Bello of the Federal High Court, Abuja who had on July 1, 2013 declared the appointment of the Service Chiefs as null and void as their appointment was not ratified by the National Assembly.
