The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has charged the newly promoted Rear Admirals of the Nigerian Navy to remain loyal, disciplined and committed to the task of defending the nation.
Musa gave the charge during the shipping of the senior officers with their new ranks on Monday in Abuja.
He said that their promotion and subsequent decoration was the result of their dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“Gentlemen, your promotion is a well-deserved recognition of your achievements and a reflection of the trust and confidence the nation has reposed on every one of you.
“The exalted rank of rear admirals signifies not only a high level of responsibility, but also a deep sense of duty towards our beloved country.
“Always remember that the Nigerian Navy and the Armed Forces will continue to rely on the leadership and expertise of individuals like you for maritime security and to safeguard our country as well as its people.
“We all know we have a mandate from Mr. President to ensure that we give in all our best to ensure we tackle all the security challenges, including economic challenges.
“Consequently, as you assume your new roles, I charge you to remain loyal, disciplined, and committed to your duties,’’ he said.
The CDS also urged them to continue to uphold the highest standard of professionalism and patriotism, as well as foster strong collaboration with their colleagues to achieve Nigeria’s national security objectives.
He also urged them to sustain the responsibility to protect democratic governance and loyalty to the constituted authority, saying it is non-negotiable.
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, said the promoted officers worked tirelessly to earn the promotion, adding that their decoration was simply to give them what they deserve.
Ogalla said that the quality of leadership of the armed forces was essential for the optimal realisation of their mandate and overall national objectives.
He said the Nigerian navy, in collaboration with other security agencies would continue to strive to protect the economic mainstay of Nigeria through various operations to counter illegalities in the maritime environment.
This, according to him, is in addition to their statutory military role of defence of the nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
We must therefore sustain the efforts and the achievements we have made so far in this regard.
“As leaders of the service which you have become by this promotion, you are expected to be above board and ensure that your subordinates equally buy into the zero-tolerance stance of the navy to all forms of illegalities and criminalities in our area of operations.
“Today’s ceremony particularly resonates deeply with the Nigerian Navy as it provides a special opportunity to acknowledge the enormous support availed to the service by the Federal Government of Nigeria as well as other stakeholders,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the officers, Rear Adm. Ibrahim Katsina, thanked the Nigerian Navy Board for finding them worthy of being elevated to the exalted rank of Rear Admiral.
Katsina also thanked the CNS for his vision, mentorship and unwavering commitment to recognising and rewarding excellence. (NAN)
