“All of you, including the NSA, were chosen on merit, I don’t know any of you” – Buhari tells new Service Chiefs

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday explained how he settled for his choice of service chiefs, few hours after he appointed new heads for the nation’s armed forces.

Mr. Buhari had on Monday afternoon appointed new Service Chiefs and a National Security Adviser, after sacking their predecessors.

The president appointed Major-General Abayomi Gabriel Olonishakin as Chief of Defence Staff; Major-General T.Y. Buratai as Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as Chief of Naval Staff; and Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar as Chief of Air Staff.

He also appointed Air Vice Marshal Monday Riku Morgan as Chief of Defence Intelligence; and Retired Major-General Babagana Monguno as National Security Adviser.

Addressing the new military chiefs shortly after their appointments, Mr. Buhari said he considered merit and track records in tapping them for their new assignments.

“All of you, including the National Security Adviser, were chosen on merit,” the President said.

“Your records gave you the job.

“Save for the new Chief of Army Staff whom I briefly met at his Command at the Multi-National Joint Task Force, in Chad, I don’t know any of you.

“Your records recommended you.”

The president therefore charged the new military chiefs to help him rebuild the reputation of the Armed Forces and the nation.

The President also called on them to show utmost commitment to their new duties.

Mr. Buhari assured them that their nominations would be sent to the National Assembly for confirmation.

“Legally, you are in acting capacity until the National Assembly accepts you,” the President said.

“It is only then that you will take the oath of office. Thereafter, we will sit down and talk in more detail.”