Maj. General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief Of Army Staff (COAS) has promised to do everything within his power to motivate the Nigeria soldiers in operating within the rule of law in order to meet up with the yearnings of Nigerians.
Lagbaja while speaking in Ibadan on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to Governor Seyi Makinde at Agodi Secretariat, stressed that the meeting was short and was meant to introduce themselves having just assumed command about a week ago.
He said, “I thank the president, Bola Tinubu for the confidence reposed in me and appointing me as the 23rd Chief of Army Staff.”
“Following my assumption of command, I espoused my philosophy of command viz to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped and operationally efficient Army towards achieving our constitutional responsibility.”
“The encapsulation of my philosophy of command has taken into cognizance the togetherness that the President has preached at every occasion he has found to speak with the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
“My drive is to operate in synergy with other security agencies, sister services towards ensuring peace, stability, to allow law-abiding citizens go about their business all across Nigeria. To do this, I intend to focus on leadership, operational effectiveness and sound administration of the troops.”
“I’ll do all within my power to motivate the troops not only to operate within the rules of engagement and codes of conduct but they will be responsive to the weight of expectations, yearnings of the ordinary Nigerians, to ensure that at the end of the day, the people’s Army that we preach is what the Nigerian citizens will find on the street.”
“During that occasion, the President still espoused the need for us to operate in synergy among ourselves and with other security agencies and we are going to work along that trajectory.” Lagbaja said.
Governor Makinde, in his remarks hailed the Army for upholding professionalism while on duties, especially during national assignments, stating that his government would continue to maintain a cordial relationship with the Army.
According to the governor, the level of professionalism displayed by the officers on duty during the 2019 governorship election could not be overemphasised, pointing out that but for the Army’s unbiased stance, he would also not have won re-election in 2023.
Makinde said: “I’m thankful to the Nigerian Army, especially the 2nd Division in Ibadan. I couldn’t have become the governor if not for the professionalism of the Nigerian Army. I also wouldn’t have been reelected if they had been partial.”
The governor, while congratulating the Chief of Army Staff on his elevation as well as the troops on the occasion of the Army’s 160th anniversary slated for Ibadan, noted that Oyo State has continued to remain a stable state in terms of security due to the commitment and cooperation of the Army with the people of the state.
He promised to keep the relationship between the Army and the Oyo State government cordial, even as he thanked the leadership of the outfit for celebrating the anniversary in Oyo State, urging them not to limit the activities for the celebration to the barracks alone.
“We are glad that you brought the celebration to Ibadan. In South-West Nigeria, Oyo State actually is the biggest in terms of land mass.
“We will play our part and contribute to the activities of the Nigerian Army in the state and deepen the cooperation for mutually beneficial activities.
“The present situation and hike in fuel price are affecting our economy; if your teams are to be on full patrol you know what the cost of petrol will be. But we encourage the leadership of the Nigerian Army and Senior Officers not to be discouraged but to be focused.” Makinde said.
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