Buhari sacks Jonathan’s service chiefs, NSA, appoints Olonishakin, Buratai, others
http://www.gatewaymail.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/President-Muhammadu-Buhari...Nigerias-president.jpgNIGERIA: PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has sacked the service chiefs and national security adviser appointed by his predecessor, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
The president sent them packing today, apparently to re-organise the nation’s security apparatus for optimum performance in the wake of rise in bombings and killings by the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram, mainly in the North Eastern part of the country.
Those shown the way out – under the All Progressive Congress (APC) government of Buhari – are Sambo Dasuki (National Security Adviser), Alex Badeh (Chief of Defence Staff), Usman Jibrin (Chief of Naval Staff), Kenneth Minimah (Chief of Army Staff), and Adesola Amosu (Chief of Air Staff).
The president has promptly appointed new helmsmen to replace the sacked chiefs.
The Media Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said that the newly appointed chiefs were Major-General Abayomi Gabriel Olonishakin – Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General T.Y. Buratai – Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas – Chief of Naval Staff, and Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar – Chief of Air Staff.
Also appointed, according to a release signed by Adesina, are Air Vice Marshal Monday Riku Morgan – Chief of Defence Intelligence and Major-General Babagana Monguno (rtd.) – National Security Adviser.
Adesina gave insight into the biodata of the new chiefs, saying that Olonishakin (N/6901), who hails from Ekiti State, was until his appointment the Head of the Nigerian Army Training and Doctrine Command in Minna, Niger State, while Buratai, from Borno State, a highly attacked state by the Boko Haram, was the Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force with headquarters in Ndjamena, Chad.
In addition, according the special adviser, Buratai had prior served as Commander of the Nigerian Army’s 2nd Brigade in Port Harcourt and Commander of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry in Jaji, Kaduna State.
Similarly, Adesina explained that Ibas (NN/0746) from Cross River State enlisted into the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the 26th Regular Course in 1979 and was commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant in 1983.
He explained further that other military appointments held earlier by Ibas included Naval Provost Marshal, Chief Staff Officer, Naval Training Command, Chief of Administration, Naval Headquarters, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command and Chief of Logistics, Naval Headquarters.
“Until his appointment as Chief of Naval Staff, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Navy Holdings Limited,” Adesina stressed.
He also said: “The new Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar (NAF/1433) hails from Bauchi State. His previous appointments include: Chief of Standards and Evaluation, NAF Headquarters; Chief of Defence Communications and Air Officer Commanding, NAF Training Command.
“Until his new appointment today as Chief of Air Staff, he was the Chief of Administration, NAF Headquarters.”
The special adviser said that the new service chiefs are to be in office in an acting capacity until they are confirmed by the Senate.
“President Buhari thanks the outgoing Service Chiefs and National Security Adviser for their services to the nation and wishes them well in their future endeavours,” Adesina said.
