COAS tells retired army officers not to.rest on their oars even as Army plans to reengage them
Insurgency: COAS Tells Retired Army Officers Not To Rest On Their Oars Even As Army Plan To Reengage Them
By/ Madu Mohammed, Maiduguri
The Chief of Army Staff, (COAS), Lt Gen Farouk Yahaya has urged all retired military personnel not to rest on their oars, and continue to support the military directly or indirectly on the ongoing fight against Boko Haram, banditry and other criminalities as the Army has concluded plans to re-engaged retired Army personnel.
The COAS who made the call yesterday at thee Validatory Luncheon /Dinner Night organised in hour retired officers from the rank of Colonel down ward who served under 7 Division Area Of Responsibility (AOR), held at the Maimalari cantonment, Maiduguri said there is an ongoing plans to reengage discharged/retired military personnel to complement efforts of troops to restore peace back to the North East and country in general
General Yahaya who was represented by the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North East ‘Operation HADIN KAI’, Maj Gen Christpoher Musa, enjoined the five (5) discharged Officers to take advantage of the various welfare scheme initiated by the COAS.
He said , I urge all retired military personnel across the country not to rest on their oars, but to continue support directly or indirectly on the ongoing fight against Boko Haram, banditry and other criminalities bedevilling the Nation.” I enjoined you to take advantage of the various welfare scheme open to all retired military personnel”. General Yahaya stated.
I want to use this opportunity to congratulate you for your successful retirement from active service.I really acknowledged your sacrifices and resilience in the course of defending our fatherland, especially in the fight against terrorism in the North East Area of Responsibility (NEAR)”, the COAS stated.
The discharged Officers are; Col. Yakubu Hassan, Col Mohammed Akilu, Lt. Col. EA Nwachukwu, Lt. Col. A Bello, Major Joseph Danladi, Capt. Ubang Usoro, Capt. OA Akunyeme and Lt. Daniel Rumu, all retired.
It could be recalled last week, similar event was hosted by the GOC at Command Guests House, Maimalari Military Cantonment in Maiduguri in honour of 24 discharged soldiers.
In his remarks , the Special Guest of Honour, Major General Bulama Biu (rtd), charged the retirees to shun all attitudes that will jeopardize the integrity of the Nigerian Army while mingling with their host communities.
Major General Biu, who had served as the GOC 7 Div up to 2020 said, it is a great honour and privilege to see his friends and fighters who were all in the battle field together up to 2020 before he left the theatre.
“I am glad to celebrate together with these gallant troops who have retired from active service, but not tired They have contributed immeasurably towards the restoration of peace in the country, and the north east in particular”, he said
He further said ” I commend COAS for ensuring proper welfare of staff, especially the retired ones, which I was also a beneficiary”
He therefore expressed optimism in the ability of the discharged personnel to easily integrate into the larger society having gone through the rudiments of discipline, courage, value and perseverance while in active service. He also urged them to remain good ambassadors of the NA while pursuing their dreams.
Earlier in his welcome address, the GOC, 7 Div, and Commander Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Waidi Shaibu said, every military men who have dedicated their lives to serve their fatherland deserves appreciation.
To this end, he said, the celebration and hosting of the retired officers and men of was a brain child of COAS’s philosophy of professionalism that is geared towards protection and defending the integrity of the nation, and prayed for those who paid the supreme price, for God to grant their souls eternal rest and comfort their families..
“We celebrated with you wholeheartedly, we will continue the giant strides you have left behind to ensure total restoration in the north east”. Said General Shaibu.
In a vote of thanks on behalf of the retirees, Col Yakubu Hassan (Rted) expressed their unalloyed support to the Nigerian Army and wished all safe journey back to their various destinations.
