Army retires 113 Generals, Lagbaja pledges Army’s support for Tinubu
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
A total 113 Generals were on Tuesday retired by the Nigerian Army ostensibly to head off coup plotting against President Bola Tinubu whose tenure so far has visited greater hardship on the populace on multiple fronts, including biting naira scarcity.
In Nigeria, there is always mass retirement in the Army when a new federal administration comes on board.
Olusegun Obasanjo, a retired General who once served as military Head of State, began the trend when he became civilian President in 1999 by getting the retirement of several military officers announced on radio to stabilise himself in Aso Rock.
Those retired on Tuesday include one General, one Lieutenant General, 67 Majors General, and 44 Brigadiers General.
Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru lauded the support of the Army for the growth of Nigeria’s democracy at the Regimental Dinner Night organised in honour of the retirees.
He said the Nigerian Army stands out as a shining example in West Africa and beyond and urged other militaries in the region to emulate their Nigerian counterpart.
A statement issued on Wednesday by Army Public Relations Director Onyema Nwachukwu, a Brigadier General, recounted that Badaru implored the Army to continue to remain loyal to the Constitution.
“The minister charged members of the Armed Forces to remain loyal and sustain the culture of supporting democracy in Nigeria and across the shores,” the statement said.
“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.”
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Lagbaja pledges Army’s support to Tinubu
Badaru also gave kudos to retired and retiring officers of the Army for their sacrifices and unwavering commitment to national stability, per The PUNCH.
He assured prompt payment of their pension.
Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, thanked Tinubu, the National Assembly (NASS), and Badaru for their support for the Army.
He reaffirmed the loyalty of the Army to the President and the nation in the discharge of its constitutional roles in defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
Lagbaja advised the retired officers to appreciate God and the Army for a successful sojourn in the “noble profession of arms” and for attaining meritorious disengagement from active service.