Search for New COAS Continues as Buhari Weighs Options Between 5 Senior Military Officers
- It appears the race has begun for a military officer to be appointed by President Buhari as the new chief of army staff
- Nigerians have expressed hope a competent official will be chosen to replace late military chief, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru
- Nigeria is currently in a state of mourning over the death of the head of the Nigerian Army
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Emerging report claims that President Muhammadu Buhari has begun to weigh options for a likely replacement of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), following the death of Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru.
Daily Trust citing sources familiar with the ongoing consultations said a new COAS is expected to be named between Tuesday, May 25, and Wednesday, May 26.
Source: Twitter
According to the report, about five senior military officers are being considered as the next head of the Nigerian Army.
The officers reportedly on the list are the army’s chief of operation, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Manu Yusuf, and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Kaduna, Maj. Gen. Danjuma Ali-Keffi.
Others are Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP) Maj.-Gen. Benjamin Ahanotu, Maj.-Gen. Jamil Sarham, Maj.-Gen Faruk Yahaya and director physical training, Maj.-Gen. Fidelis Azinta.
Factors being considered in favour of the military officers include many successes recorded by the army, experience and seniority in the service.
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that President Buhari declared Monday, May 24, a work-free day for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces in honour of Lt. Gen. Attahiru, and 10 others who died in an air crash on Friday, May 21.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, said this in a statement on Sunday, May 23.
The Nigerian leader also ordered the national flag to be flown at half-mast in all public buildings, facilities, and official residences from Monday, May 24 to Wednesday, May 26th.
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In a related development, a member of the House of Representatives, Abdulrazaq Namdaz, narrated how he missed boarding the military plane that crashed in Kaduna, killing the COAS, Ibrahim Attahiru, and 10 other personnel.
Namdaz who chairs the House committee on army made the disclosure in an interview on Sunday, May 23.
The lawmaker said he was invited to attend the Passing Out Parade (POP) of soldiers in Kaduna state. He said he would likely have boarded the same plane with Attahiru if he had honoured the invitation.
Source: Legit.ng
