The newly appointed Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar today took over the mantle of leadership, urging officers and airmen and airwomen to uphold the constitution and work in line with democracy tenets.
The Air chief who received the ‘Colours’ from his predecessor, Oladayo Amao noted lauded the past chief for his leadership and mentorship.
According to him, “I want to use this occasion to reinforce commitment of the officers, airmen and airmen of the Nigeria Air force to uphold the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as the tenets of democracy towards a united, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
“I want to use this occasion to restate our commitment to reinvigorate our fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and a host of other security threats bedeviling our dear country. Two unique attributes of the outgoing Service Chiefs that were displayed during their tenure were cooperation and jointness.
“Let me start this remarks first by appreciating Almighty God for the unique privilege of being appointed the twenty-second Chief of the Air Staff of the Nigeria air force. I want to also thank the outgoing Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, for all the mentorship you have given us and leaving us with solid legacies that I can seamlessly build upon.
“I consider it an honour to step into the shoes of one of the foremost strategic leaders produced by the Nigerian Air Force. Your excellent performance and numerous achievements in the Service attest to this assertion. I want to therefore congratulate you on your impeccable accomplishment and distinguished career.
“Sir as you exit the service, we wish you the very best; hoping that the service and the entire nations will continue to tap from your wealth of experience. I assure you that we will continue to build on your legacies and do more to move the Nigerian Air Force to higher pedestals, as you have always advocated to us as a mentor and leader.
“Let me use this medium to thank the president and commander-in-Chief, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the honour and privilege being offered to me to serve as the Chief of Air Staff. My appointment is coming at a time that the expectations of Nigerians towards accelerated actualization of peace and security is very high.
“We witnessed how these attribute contributed immensely to the successes achieved in the various theatres of operations. In conjunction with my colleagues, we will uphold these attributes in line with Mr. President directive issued during the maiden National Security Council meeting.
“We will also begin to take additional airpower measures and approaches that will continue to diminish our challenges and enhance the disposition of our various theatres of operation. I want to thank our superiors and immediate past Branch Chief here present that are currently disengaging form the Service.
“We shall continue to exhibit exemplary commitment and sustained efforts to overcome every threat to the peace and security of our Great Nation, Nigeria. I also pledge my unalloyed loyalty to Mr. President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and restate that the Nigeria Air Force is ever willing, able and ready to lay at Mr. President’s disposal, professional expertise to achieve our mission of fulfilling all air power tasks demanded by national defense and security imperatives.
“I want to once again congratulation the outgoing Chief of the Air Staff and other senior officers who will be exiting service for distinguished career.”
The former CAS, Amao was driven out of the Defence headquarters after a colourful quarter guard parade in his honour.
