President Jonathan Sacks Service Chiefs

President Goodluck Jonathan today (Thursday) wielded the big stick as he sent packing four of his senior service chiefs, those of the Navy, Army and the Chief of Defence Staff.

Although no reason was given for their removal, his adviser on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati announced their replacements.

Air Marshal Alex Badeh replaces Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim as Chief of Defence Staff, while Major-General Kenneth Tobiah Jacob Minimah has taken over from Lt. General Azubike O. Ihejirika as Chief of Army Staff.

Rear Admiral Usman O. Jibrin has also replaced Vice -Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba as Chief of Naval Staff while Air Vice Marshal Adesola Nunayon Amosu has taken over from Air Marshal Badeh as Chief of Air Staff.

The statement said that all the changes are with immediate effect.

The new Chief of Defence staff and former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Badeh was born on January 10, 1957 and joined the Air Force as a member of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 21 regular course while the new Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Minimah was born on July 27, 1959 and joined the Army as a member of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 25 regular course.

Until his new appointment, Major-General Minimah was the commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps, Jaji.

The new Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Usman Jibrin was born on September 16, 1959 and joined the Navy as a member of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 24 regular course. Until his appointment as Chief of Naval Staff, he was Director of Training at Defence headquarters.

The new Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Amosu was born on August 1, 1958 and joined the Air Force as a member of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 25 regular course. Until his new appointment, Air Vice Marshal Amosu was the Air Officer Commanding, Tactical Air Command, Makurdi.

President Jonathan has briefed the leadership of the National Assembly on the appointment of the new Service chiefs and will, in keeping with the provisions of the law, request the National Assembly to formally confirm the appointments when it reconvenes.