*Thankful Over New Army Chief Shaibu’s Appointment, Counsels Him On Fairness
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has hailed recently retired Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, as a gallant and patriotic son of the geopolitical zone.
Musa led a pack of Service Chiefs axed by President Bola Tinubu on Friday. They were immediately replaced by a new set led by Gen. Olufemi Oluyede (CDS).
MBF said Musa’s exit marked the conclusion of an illustrious and exceptional military career.
The Forum also expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for availing its son the rare opportunity to serve his country in such an exalted capacity, emphasizing that as a proud indigene of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area (LGA) in Southern Kaduna, Gen. Musa’s service to Nigeria stands as a profound testimony to discipline, professionalism, and loyalty to the nation.
A statement signed by MBF spokesman, Luka Binniyat, Sunday, noted that Gen. Musa’s tenure as CDS would be remembered for his courage, humility, and strategic leadership in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
The statement read, in part: “His efforts in promoting unity among the Armed Forces and improving troop morale amid complex security challenges have earned him the admiration of his officers and men including Nigerians across divides.
“The MBF is proud of his achievements and the inspiration he represents to the youth of the Middle Belt and beyond. We express our profound gratitude to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for availing our son this rare opportunity to serve his country in such an exalted capacity.
“We are confident that the President will continue to draw from General Musa’s deep reservoir of experience and patriotism in future national defence-related roles.
“The MBF also warmly congratulates Major General Waidi Shaibu, another illustrious son of the Middle Belt from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, on his appointment as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
“Major General Shaibu has built a distinguished reputation as a courageous commander and astute strategist. His brilliant career includes serving as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East, where he played a pivotal role in weakening Boko Haram’s operational capabilities, and in leading anti-banditry operations in the North-West.
“His emphasis on intelligence-led warfare, troop welfare, and civil-military collaboration has significantly strengthened Nigeria’s counterterrorism framework.
“We urge General Shaibu to carry out his new responsibilities with dedication, fairness, and renewed patriotism, as the nation looks to him and his team for stability and peace.
“The MBF equally congratulates all newly appointed Service Chiefs and prays for divine wisdom and unity among them in the patriotic task of securing Nigeria.”
*PHOTO CAPTION: Gen. Musa.
