By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
The Nigerian Army has said that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, is currently on leave.
The Army also insisted that Gen Lagbaja appointed Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalami Ibrahim, the Army Chief of Policy and Plans, as Acting COAS before embarking on leave.
This decision comes in light of reports indicating that the COAS is incapacitated due to health issues.
Army spokesman Onyema Nwachukwu clarified that established protocols ensure a seamless continuity in leadership.
Nwachukwu emphasized that the COAS’s leave will not disrupt the Army’s operations.
He said, “There have even been insinuations that there is a leadership vacuum, with officers confused about what to do. Nothing could be further from the truth.
“To be very clear, the Nigerian Army is a highly structured establishment with well-laid-out procedures and processes for dealing with different circumstances.
“Before proceeding on leave, necessary protocols were put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim, to act on behalf of the COAS while he was away.
“Claims of a leadership vacuum in the NA at present are therefore mere speculation, as all routine and scheduled activities of the service are on course.”
Credit, except Headline: THE NETWORK.
