Minister Charges Armed Forces On Loyalty, As Top Generals Retire

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru has tasked the nation’s armed forces to support democracy to succeed.

The minister’s charge is contained in a statement signed Wednesday by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen.  Onyema Nwachukwu in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

According to the Army spokesman, Badaru gave the advise at the Regimental Dinner Night organised in honour of newly retired and retiring Nigerian Army senior officers.

The statement said a total of 113 Nigerian Army Generals on Tuesday bowed out of the service, which include one General, one Lieutenant General, 67 Major Generals, and 44 Brigadier Generals.

The minister praised the Nigerian Army as a “shining light’ among the nation’s armed forces, for its support for civil rule, adding that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would ensure that the military’s welfare is taken care of.

Part of the statement said,  “The minister charged members of the Armed Forces to remain loyal and sustain the culture of supporting democracy in Nigeria and across the shores.

“He added that the disposition of the Armed Forces towards democracy had made it a shining example in West Africa and an influencer in the comity of nations.

“The minister noted that the occasion provided the Nigerian Army the opportunity to reflect on its service and profound dedication as demonstrated by the retired and retiring senior officers.

“He noted that the Federal Government will continue to do all within its reach to improve the well-being of serving and retired personnel.”

Recall that over 100 top military officers were directed to proceed on voluntary retirement in June this by the Defence Headquarters year following the appointment of new Service Chiefs by President Tinubu.