A day after he advised terrorists to stop throwing bombs but instead get involved in politics, the former Chief of Defence Staff, Oluseyi Petinrin, has been relieved of his duties.
Mr. Petinrin, apparently oblivious of President Goodluck Jonathan’s intentions, gave the advice at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday during the presentation of cheques to Next of Kins of the military personnel killed in action in 2012.
Most were killed by armed insurgents, members of the Boko Haram group, who have declared war on the government, and security officials.
Mr. Jonathan on Thursday, in a press statement by Reuben Abati, his spokesman, relieved Mr. Petinrin, an Air Chief Marshal, of his post ,and replaced him with a Vice Admiral in the Navy and former Chief of Naval Staff, Ola Ibrahim.
Mr. Ibrahim’s former position as Navy Chief is now to be occupied by Dele Joseph Ezeoba, a Rear Admiral, who was promoted to Rear Admiral in 2008.
Mr. Petinrin was not the only one removed from office.
The former head of the Nigerian Air Force, Mohammed Umar, was also relieved of his position. Mr. Umar, an Air Marshall, was replaced with Alex Barde, an Air Vice Marshall.
The Chief of Army Staff, Azubuike Ihejirika, is the only one to retain his former position as Army chief.
Mr. Abati did not give any reason for the changes. He said Mr. Jonathan thanked the outgoing service chiefs for their meritorious service to the nation.
Nigeria service chiefs hold their positions at the mercy of the president and could be fired once the president becomes dissatisfied with their performance.
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