By Lola Seriki-Idahosa, Kaduna
The Nigerian Army has pulled out 33 Generals who have retired from service.The retired officers comprise 12 Major-Generals and 21 Brigadier Generalsof the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillary, including a former General Officer Commanding 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Lawrence Jokotola were pulled out of service in Kaduna.
In a valedictory speech, Major-General Jokotola, who spoke on behalf of the retired generals expressed conviction that the Nigerian Military would overcome current security challenges in the country.
The former GOC also expressed hope that the current security challenges in the Northeast are surmountable if only the old ideals of military training, good administration and discipline are maintained.
According to him, “these virtues being the backbone of the military profession should be upheld at all times so as to achieve victory for NACA, the NA and the Nation at large”.
He commended the Army authorities for re-engaging a number of its retired officers to serve as consultants and instructors at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery (NASA), Kachia in Kaduna State, stating that such sharing of knowledge and expertise will be of immense benefit to the serving officers.
The Generals retired between 2005 and 2013, having served for themandatory 35 years in service.
Having served their fatherland meritoriously, the officers were formally pulled out at a colourful ceremony that was attended by their friends and family members.
Despite the heavy downpour, a colourful match past and parade were held in honour of the retired Generals.
General Jokotola, in his speech, pledged that the retired officers would continue to keep the Nigerian Flag high by providing timely, accurate and effective fire support in the fight against all forms of external and internal aggression.
The General urged the serving military personnel to continue to be loyal, extra-vigilant, and also expressed the conviction that the Nigerian military would overcome the current security challenges in the country.
Other retirees also expressed their gratitude to the Army and Nigerians for the opportunity to serve the nation.
The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Mr Bala Bantex, who represented the state Governor, Nasir El-Rufai at the occasion, commended the effort of officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces in trying to restore peace to all troubled parts of the country.
Among those retired include, Maj Gen AC Akoji, Maj Gen TJ Tache, Maj Gen AT Ibrahim, Maj Gen ECG Nwanguma, Maj Gen JB Samuel, Maj Gen DM Edi, Maj Gen AK Kwaskebe, Maj Gen CO Omoregie, Maj Gen MB Ibrahim, Maj Gen MA Nasamu, and Maj Gen HA Saliu.
Others include Brig Gen AI Etomi, Brig Gen B Demeyeibo, Brig Gen JM Bala, Brig Gen KG Achi, Brig Gen JA Iyodo, Brig Gen IB Maigari, Brig Gen WA Yusuf, Brig Gen E Essien, Brig Gen A Robinson Brig Gen ML Raji,Brig Gen NW Rimtip, Brig Gen BY Bukar, Brig Gen EO Olofinmuagun, Brig Gen DB Shaljaba, Brig Gen JO Osuji, Brig Gen AIG Danpome, Brig Gen IA Del-Yakubu, Brig Gen JO Komolafe, Brig Gen ED Amah, Brig Gen J Abuka and Brig Gen MM Dan-Ali.
