Tackle crude theft, terrorism, Jonathan tells new service chiefs

The decoration of the newly appointed service chiefs took place on Monday in Abuja.

President Goodluck Jonathan has charged the new service chiefs to tackle crude oil theft and terrorism frontally.

The president said this, on Monday, during the decoration and swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed service chiefs. The new Chief of Defence Staff, Ola Ibrahim, was decorated with the rank of Admiral at the swearing-in ceremony. Also, the new service chiefs for the Navy and Air force, Dele Ezeoba and Alex Badeh, were decorated with new ranks of Vice Admiral and Air Marshall respectively.

The ceremony was held at the Council Chamber of the State House, Aso villa.

Speaking at the occasion, the president said “these fine officers and gentlemen are taking up command at a time when our nation is faced with serious challenges.

Mr. Jonathan directed the new security helmsmen to tackle the insecurity challenges facing the nation, especially crude oil theft and terrorism.

“The unacceptable rising incidences of crude theft must be tackled frontally,” he said.

“Given the direct adverse implication of the activities of crude oil theft on our national economy, I expect the Chief of Naval Staff and other serving Chiefs to immediately go to work to urgently bring the issue of crude oil theft to an end,” he added.

Mr. Jonathan said the serving chiefs were appointed based on their pedigree and patriotism.

“In my capacity as your Commander in Chief, I assure you that you have held your appointment on the basis of your commitment to professional excellence, diligence and faith in a strong, stable and prosperous Nigeria. As you bring these worthy attributes to bear in the discharge of your onerous duties, you can be rest assured of my full support at all times,” the president said.

On Terrorism, Mr. Jonathan directed the newly decorated security men to work in synergy with other security services to combat terrorism.

The president gave a vote of confidence to all three security men, saying he is sure they will tackle terrorism in a new manner.