By Emmanuel Nduka Obisue
President Bola Tinubu has announced a sweeping shake-up of Nigeria’s military leadership, a move coming amid heightened concerns over coup fears that was largely reported recently.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, the president named General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa. Also appointed were Major-General W. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff. The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P Undiendeye, retains his position.
According to the statement, “The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expresses most profound appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and the other Service Chiefs for their patriotic service, and dedicated leadership. The President charges the newly appointed Service Chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them to further enhance the professionalism, vigilance and comradeship that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria”.
The latest reshuffle marks the second major military leadership change under Tinubu’s administration, and comes as Nigeria and its neighbours grapple with security challenges and fears of military takeovers in parts of the region.
Observers view the move as part of the president’s strategy to reinforce loyalty within the ranks and strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture.
