Security collective responsibility of all – ex-CDS

Abuja- Former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Adm. Ola Ibrahim, has called on Nigerians to see security as a collective responsibility of all. Ibrahim made the call on Thursday night in Abuja at a dinner held in his honour to mark his exit from the service.

“As we all know, a major challenge in this country today as in other parts of the world, is the issue of security and emerging trends of terrorism.

“Security, being the bedrock of every meaningful development, must always be of interest to all citizens.

“We owe Nigeria a sacred duty to seek peace and protect our collective interest, no matter our callings,” he said. Ibrahim said that he had always believed that leadership was all about people, organisation and environment.

He explained that leadership involved the demonstration of values of courage, knowledge, wisdom, patience, compassion, understanding, integrity, discipline and vision by ideas and an objective mind.

“It is my humble belief that good leadership at all levels is the pillar upon which our collective aspirations rest.

“I believe strongly that the present leadership of the Armed Forces has what it takes to take to the next level. I urge you not to stagger or waver in your resolve to embrace the virtues of good leadership, ‘’ he added.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, said that the cool headedness and high degree of patience contributed in no small measure to the achievement of the “remarkable feats the former CDS recorded”. Badeh said his cool headedness was also responsible for the legacy Ibrahim was leaving for members of the armed forces.

“Unarguably one of the Admiral’s most remarkable legacies was his dogged determination to transform the Armed Forces of Nigeria into a cohesive force.

“That has remained ever committed to the protection of Nigeria’s unity and larger national interests.

“To this, he remained passionately committed up to his last day in office,’’ he said.
Badeh assured the retiring CDS that the armed forces would not only sustain this legacy but shall also lean heavily on his immense knowledge and experience , to chart the way forward.

He said for those of them still in the service, they should see Ibrahim as a sterling example of service with dignity, professionalism and humility.

The CDS said his service was combined with uncommon personal values worthy of emulation by those who cherished the good qualities.

“I am proud to inform this gathering that Adm. Ibrahim is leaving behind many indelible marks on the many seas through which he has voyaged, ‘’ the CDS added.

On his part, Chairman House Committee on Defence, Rep. Bashir Adamu, said Nigeria was blessed with such a man of vision and mission. Adamu said the country should be thankful for having leaders like him.

The ceremony was attended by members of the National Assembly, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Defence, Alhaji Aliyu Ismalia, former CDS and service chiefs.