15th September, 2010
President Goodluck Jonathan this morning charged the newly appointed armed forces chiefs to cooperate with the police in stamping out the growing incidents of kidnapping and harassment by militia groups in the country.
The President was speaking during the decoration of the new service chiefs at the Council chambers of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja this morning.
President Jonathan noted that the country is passing through one of the worst period in its history as a result of rampant incidents of kidnapping and attacks by militia groups said the armed forces must evolve measures to re position the defence intelligence to put the unfortunate situation beyond the country.
President Jonathan also commended the Armed Forces submission to the Nigerian constitution which he said has helped in the development of sustained political culture in the country.
Jonathan charged the new service chiefs to see their appointment as opportunity to render the highest serve their father land and urge them to continue to remain loyal to the constitution while also commending their predecessor in the office.
The new service chiefs decorated by Jonathan include the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshall Oluseyi Pentirin, the Chief of Army Staff Azubuike Ihejirika who was promoted from the rank of Major General to Lieutant General,and Ola Ibrahim who has also been elevated to the position of Vice Admiral.
President Jonathan also announced the promotion of Air Vice Marshall Mohammed Dikko Umar, the new Chief of Air Staff to the position Air Marshall.
While speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Air Marshall Pentirin promised that the new service chiefs will not fail the President and the nation.