- Affirms Commitment to the Preservation of Democracy
By Abiola Olawale
The Defence Head Quarters (DHQ) has again refuted reports claiming that it has appointed an acting Chief of Staff to fill in for the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, who is currently on leave.
The DHQ clarified that no appointment as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) exists within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Defence Information, Tukur Gusau, the DHQ also clarified that Major General Abdulsalam Bagudu Ibrahim remains the Chief of Policy and Plans and has not been appointed as the acting Chief of Army Staff.
Gusau, in the statement, added that Lagbaja was on leave and would resume immediately after his leave.
The statement reads in part: “The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) wishes to clarify that it has not announced the appointment of any senior officer as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), contrary to speculation by certain media outlets. For the record, no such appointment exists within the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, is currently on a well-deserved rest as part of his 2024 annual leave. The AFN is professionally managed, and all the Service Chiefs are performing their duties as stipulated in the Constitution of the FGN. Major General Abdulsalam Bagudu Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, is providing routine briefs to the COAS as per SOP.
“The DHQ urges individuals spreading unfounded rumours to desist from doing so immediately. The COAS is hail and hearty and will soon resume normal duties at the end of his leave.
“Media organizations are advised to verify information with the appropriate authorities before releasing fake news to the public. The CDS had only spoken with the COAS a few minutes ago.”
Also, the DHQ, in its statement, stressed the commitment of the military to the preservation of democracy as well as loyalty to President Tinubu and appreciated him for his support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The statement added: “Additionally, those advocating for a military takeover, as seen in a viral video, should be aware that such actions are treasonable under the Constitution.
“The AFN is steadfastly committed to the preservation and advancement of our democracy and is loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The military remains focused on achieving its statutory responsibilities of protecting the nation’s integrity.
“The relative peace being enjoyed today is a direct result of the President’s support for the military and the dedication of the AFN leadership.
“To this end, the AFN and relevant security agencies have been mandated to take necessary action against any individual or group advocating for unconstitutional changes in the country. The CDS appreciates Nigerians for their support and prayers. Victory is assured.”
The New Diplomat reports that on Sunday reports emerged claiming that Lagbaja was purportedly had passed on at an undisclosed hospital abroad.
However, the Nigerian Army had debunked the reports, describing them as false and baseless.
