Senator Kashim Shettima (APC, Borno Central) on Thursday said President Muhammadu Buhari made well informed choices in the appointments of the new service chiefs.
He said this in Maiduguri when journalists sought his reaction to the appointments, especially given his viral video weeks back in which called for replacement of the former service chiefs.
He said Buhari took his time to identify competent military commanders, well-grounded with knowledge of the Boko Haram insurgency after serving in Borno State at different times.
“The president made a well informed decision. I’ve interacted with some of them and I can attest to the character and professionalism. General Leo Irabor, the Chief of Defence Staff, is one of the finest officers the Nigerian army has produced in recent times.
“Rear Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, the Chief of Naval Staff, had served here in Borno and so has General Ibrahim Attahiru, the Chief of Army Staff, who was also in Borno for a brief period.
“We all know that depending on the situation General Attahiru might have met on ground as theatre commander back then, there is always a difference between when someone is working under another and when he is in charge. Today, he is chief of army staff.
“This appointment provides an opportunity that will insha’Allah prove General Attahiru’s leadership credentials and I believe that insha’Allah, he’ll succeed.
“The success of all the service chiefs is in our best interest as leaders and as people of Borno.
“We’ll gain absolutely nothing if they fail while we’ll gain everything if they succeed.
“I’m sure the president made an informed decision, it’s for all of us to rally round the president and the service chiefs to give them all the support so that insha’Allah they succeed in bringing an end to the Boko Haram madness” Shettima said.
The former governor of Borno State noted that in calling for the sack of the former service chiefs, he had nothing personal against them, but the interest of Borno and the nation.
