Tinubu Urges Service Chiefs to Deliver Results, Not Excuses
Tinubu Urges Service Chiefs to Deliver Results, Not Excuses
President Bola Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s new service chiefs, who assumed office yesterday with a pledge to combat insecurity, that their performance must deliver results, not excuses, as the nation is eager to celebrate peace.
In a firm tone, he urged them to confront emerging armed groups—referred to as “new snakes”—particularly in the troubled regions of North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South. “We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right in the head,” he declared during their decoration at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Tinubu highlighted that the government has achieved significant peace restoration in many areas, rescued numerous kidnapped citizens, and weakened terror groups’ capacities. However, he acknowledged that security challenges persist, with threats continually evolving and mutating.
Congratulating the service chiefs on their appointments and Senate confirmation, the President emphasized the gravity of their responsibilities. “As your Commander-in-Chief, I am entrusting you with a tremendous task, which must be approached with unwavering commitment and dedication,” he stated.
He underscored the importance of security, describing it as fundamental to national development and governance. “There cannot be sufficient progress without peace. Our military has shown resilience, reclaiming territories once under siege and paying the ultimate price. We will continue to support your efforts,” Tinubu affirmed.
He also warned against complacency, stressing the need for urgent, proactive action against new threats. “Nigerians expect results, not excuses. We are in a hurry to celebrate peace. Be innovative, pre-emptive, courageous, and leverage technology to defeat these enemies once and for all,” he urged.
In response to the President’s directive, Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, affirmed their commitment. “We will do our best with the support of Mr. President, the government, and the Nigerian people. Security is everyone’s business, and we call on Nigerians of all backgrounds to support us,” he said.
During the ceremony, the service chiefs were decorated with their new ranks. They include Lt. Gen. Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Major Gen. Wahidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff, and Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence, who was retained and promoted.
The event was attended by key government officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and others.
In their maiden speeches, the outgoing and incoming service chiefs expressed their commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s security. Lt. Gen. Shaibu promised to review the security landscape and deploy new strategies to address threats, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, collaboration, and swift action.
The new appointments mark the fourth time service chiefs have been reshuffled since President Tinubu’s administration began in 2015, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
