The Nigerian Army has addressed the ongoing reports of leadership crisis, emphasizing that the temporary absence of its Lieutenant General, Chief Of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja has not compromised its operational effectiveness.
The Spokesperson, Nigeria Army, Onyema Nwachukwu disclosed that the Chief Of Policy and Plan , Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim has been appointed as the Acting Chief of Army staff, while the Lieutenant General, Lagbaja, is away on official leave, in order to ensure continuous operational efficiency within the Army.
“There have even been insinuations that there is a leadership vacuum, with officers confused about what to do. Nothing could be further from the truth,” he said
He further noted that the Nigerian Army is a well organized establishment tailored to its vision.
“To be very clear, the Nigerian Army is a highly structured establishment with well-laid-out procedures and processes for dealing with different circumstances. Before proceeding on leave, necessary protocols were put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim, to act on behalf of the COAS while he was away”
“This is not peculiar to the NA, as there have been instances where unforeseen human frailty kept service chiefs away for about three months, and their Chiefs of Policy and Plans held sway in their absence. Claims of a leadership vacuum in the NA at present are therefore mere speculation, as all routine and scheduled activities of the service are on course.” he added.
The Army Spokesperson confirmed that all scheduled activities are proceeding as planned, with departmental heads fulfilling their duties in accordance with the Chief of Army Staff’s instructions.
Although Rumors of a life-threatening medical condition have swirled around the Chief of Army Staff’s official leave, but the Nigerian Army maintains that Lieutenant General Lagbaja is in perfect health.
He also urged citizens to ignore unfounded rumors and speculation, ensuring that operations will continue uninterrupted. This assurance is part of the Army’s efforts to maintain stability and confidence among the public, amidst recent concerns surrounding the Chief of Army Staff’s official leave.
Eniola Jolaoso.