The National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Mohammed Monguno (rtd) said at the weekend that promotion in the military is not done by mistake as painstaking and adequate ground work and professional analyses are done on the suitability and capacity of officers before they are recommended and approved for such promotions.
The NSA made the disclosure even as he noted that one of the challenges of fighting insurgency in the North East emanates from the unconventional and asymmetric nature whereby you don’t know who the enemy is, unlike conventional battle where you see and know the enemy. In this case, sometimes, it is brother against brother so extra vigilance is the watchword.
He spoke during the decoration ceremony of five officers attached to the Office of the National security Adviser (ONSA), recently elevated by their services vis a vis Colonel Abdulrazak Olateju Kazeem, Colonel Al-Amin Ado Ibrahim, Group Captain Mohammed Baba Ahmed, Group Captain Valentine Emeka Oraeki and Major Celestin Iwakim Akor.
Congratulating the officers on their new ranks, Mongonu said, “Based on the situation where we find ourselves today, regarding the tough security challenges, we have been compelled to look inwards to face these challenges. In doing this only the very best will suffice.
Disclosing that he had known the two Colonels and the two Group Captains since 1998 as Cadet Officers in the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) when he was the Academy Adjutant, General Mongonu said, “I can tell you they have always been good, hardworking and brave and they are officers God has blessed with great intellect.
He told the officers, “As you are aware, we are in very difficult times, faced with a very dangerous insurgency. A lot of your colleagues have paid the supreme sacrifice in service to fatherland. So there is a very heavy burden placed on your shoulders by virtue of this promotion”.
“A lot is expected of you profession-wise and character-wise. This is not time for you to falter but to work extra hard. You need to be able to take charge of whatever you are going to do. Nigerian security situation can only improve with officers like you stepping in because most of your very seniors are on their way out.
Continuing, the NSA said, “This is the office (ONSA) that is receiving the greatest pressure in the land and there will be greater pressure on you. You must be able to discern and differentiate what is reasonable and what is not reasonable.
Colonel Ado Ibrahim in his vote of thanks on behalf of the decorated officers, pledged not to disappoint the confidence reposed in them by the Army and Airforce Councils by ensuring more commitment to their duties.
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