“I am Leaving Armed Forces of Nigeria Bigger and Stronger” – General Irabor

“I am Leaving Armed Forces of Nigeria Bigger and Stronger” – General Irabor

The immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor (rtd) has said he is bold to that he is leaving the armed forces of Nigeria today, bigger, stronger and more capable to deliver on its constitutional mandate and national security functions.

General Irabor who is also the reviewing officer and a special guest of honour said this at the Pulling Out Parade in his honour during his valedictory speech on Friday in Abuja.

“After 37 years of unblemished service to the AFN and the nation and having served as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in the past 29 months, there is valid justification for the mixed emotions of great submission, reflection, humility, gratitude, and of course, relief.”he stressed. 

According to him the Armed Forces of Nigeria is thus delivering on its constitutional mandate as a defender of the Nigerian state, territories, and people in addition to providing a bulwark for unbroken democratic evolution. In other words, the AFN has been a foremost national institution in ensuring the security and stability of the nation. 

He noted that, despite the current challenges, he is very proud of the patriotism, dedication, hardwork and sacrifices of the officers, men and women of the AFN which is propelled by ‘Love for Country’. 

“Going forward, our thinking and national security approach must be so mighty that no potential aggressor will be tempted to risk his own destruction. There is a saying that “Old soldiers never die; they just fade away.” While my time in uniform has come to an end, the lessons, friendships, and values I have gained during my years of service will remain with me always. Farewell, my fellow warriors, and may you continue to serve our nation with honour, courage, and unwavering dedication”.

“Throughout my years of service, I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the most dedicated, bravest, courageous, and selfless men and women I have ever known. Your unshakeable commitment to our nation, our values, and our mission has been a constant source of inspiration. The bonds we have forged in the face of adversity are unbreakable, and I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to serve with each and every one of you.

“Without doubt, the nation should be proud of its military to whom too many security concerns seem now to be consigned. I therefore state with a sense of responsibility, that as a nation, we should avoid the deliberate or inadvertent inclination to denigrate the contributions of the AFN to national security, unity, and stability. To do so will be to effectively undermine the Nigerian state.”, he said.

General Irabor added that. “Due largely to the inputs from these sources and the improved institutional capabilities, the AFN recorded goal attainment in core military roles and Military Aid to Civil Power (MACP). In more specific terms, we have significantly curtailed the threats of terrorism, insurgency, piracy, sea robberies, vandalism of critical national assets and kidnappings. 

“In the Military Aid to Civil Authority (MACA) role, we successfully worked in conjunction with other security agencies and stakeholders to deliver a physical security environment that is amenable for law and order, critical democratic processes, as well as human security, and national development.”

A lunch in his honour was organised at the Defence Headquarters Officers Mess and was well attended by dignitaries at the pulling out ceremony are, the Executive Governor of Delta State Hon. Chief Sherif Oborevwori (JP), members of the Federal Executive Council, distinguished Members of the 10th National Assembly, Former SGF Mr Boss Mustapha, the former Governor of Delta State Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Former Chairman Senate Committee on Defence, distinguished Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wammako, Former Chairman House of Representatives, Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson, Perm Secinistry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni, Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs and IGP, Former Chiefs of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs, Former Service Chiefs, Heads of Paramilitary and Security Agencies here present, Heads of Military Establishments, and Department and Agencies, Departmental Chiefs from Defence and Services Headquarters.

Others are  Distinguished Senior Military and Para-military officers, both serving and retired,  President of DEPOWA, NAOWA, NOWA, NAFOWA, POWA and other members of the association here present, spouses of AFN soldiers, ratings, airmen and air women, Lordship, Spiritual and Temporal, Captains of Industry, and Royal Highnesses.

Credits: SpyeTv