Tinubu to service chiefs: We can’t allow crisis that began in 2009 to persist — Nigerians want results

President Bola Tinubu has implored the newly appointed service chiefs to clear out security threats in the country.

Tinubu spoke on Thursday during the decoration ceremony of the new service chiefs at the council chambers of the State House on Thursday.

Those decorated were Olufemi Oluyede, chief of defence staff; Waidi Shaibu, chief of army staff; Idi Abass, chief of naval staff; Kevin Aneke, chief of air staff; and Emmanuel Undiendeye, chief of defence intelligence.

The decoration followed national assembly’s confirmation of the nominees after Tinubu requested swift approval to enable the new military chiefs to assume duty without delay.

Addressing the new service chiefs, Tinubu said Nigerians will not accept any excuses regarding the country’s security challenges.

The president urged the new service chiefs to crush the new armed groups in the north-central and north-west geopolitical zones, adding that the new threats should not grow.

He assured the service chiefs of the support of his administration in the fight against insecurity.

“There cannot be sufficient development if this fundamental aspect of human need is unmet. Our people and our nation must remain secure to enjoy the benefits of governance,” the president said.

“We must smash the new snakes right in the head. We need to clean them up, clear them out, and make our nation safe again.

“Nigerians expect visible results, not excuses. We are in a hurry to celebrate peace.

“Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace, freedom and stability. We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer. It is time to defeat the enemies.”

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Oluyede said the armed forces are committed to making the country safe for all Nigerians for socio-economic activities to flourish.

“I want to thank all Nigerians for the support they give to the armed forces,” the new chief of defense staff said

“I expect that they give us more (support) so that we can make Nigeria safer.

“I want to assure Mr president and all Nigerians today that we’ll do all our utmost best to ensure that we rid Nigeria of all forms of criminality and make Nigeria safer to ensure socio-economic endeavours can thrive

“We pledge our loyalty to Mr. President, and we assure you that will continue to support the flourishing democracy and support all your government aspirations to make Nigeria better. That’s our pledge for you today, long in Nigeria.”