Navy promotes 135 officers, gets five new Rear Admirals
From Madu Onuorah, Abuja

THE Nigerian Navy yesterday announced the promotion of 135 officers just as the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ishaya Ibrahim, said they must brace up to the added challenges of militancy in the Niger Delta region and the protection of the Gulf of Guinea.


Naval officers




Ibrahim said they must provide "absolute protection of resources" of the nation against the militants in the Niger Delta whom he called "unbecoming elements against our nation."

He charged them to provide the maximum security required for economic activities, safety of ships and the protection of the nation's maritime environment.

A breakdown of the 135 officers promoted shows that five were elevated from Commodores to Rear Admirals, 30 Captains were promoted to Commodores, 44 Commanders were promoted to Captains while 56 Lieutenant Commanders were promoted to the rank of Commanders.

Rear Admirals are the Army equivalent of Major Generals, Commodores are the equivalent of Brigadier Generals, Captains are the equivalent of Colonels, Commanders the equivalent of Lieutenant Colonels and Lieutenant Commanders the equivalent of Majors.

Of the total number promoted, 25 were decorated at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja. Among those promoted Rear Admirals are Thomas Jonah Lokoson, Albert Afolabi Macaulay, Dele Joseph Ezeoba, Dutse James Boer and Salisu Mohammed. The new Commodores include Andrew S. Bira, Abbah Augustine Omale, Samuel Ilesanmi Alade, Adebowale Andrew Dacosta, Peter Oraka, Mauzu M. Salami, Fidel N. Nwaogu, Muphutau Bola Ajibade, Livinus Obinna Iwoha, Jerry Umoru Onarumi, Harry Ngonadi and Chukwuemeka Samuel Ogwabu.

Vice Admiral Iko Ibrahim, while congratulating the newly promoted officers, said their elevation was as a result of their hardwork, commitment and dedication.

He said: "Your elevation is bringing you to a position where only a few of you will be noted. You carry a weight that is heavy. You are living with serious challenges. But we cannot afford to fail. You must remain unshaken in the pursuit of the absolute protection of resources against the unbecoming elements against our nation, ensure that our economic zone is given maximum security required for economic activities, safety of ships, protection of our maritime environment and the Gulf of Guinea, which has suddenly become gold globally. The roles of Navy have graduated from the basic naval operations as a result of the added challenges of the militancy in the Niger Delta and the Gulf of Guinea.

"We are about 12,000 officers and men and the economy of the country rest on our shoulders and the expectation is high. Yes, there are limitations but the common man on the streets does not know that; hence we must do everything to give the nation the best. We have conferred on you the honour to demonstrate that this nation is the best and you must justify this because at this stage all hands must be on deck."

Vice Admiral Ibrahim advised the newly promoted officers to buckle up and put in their best in tackling the challenges adding "you cannot afford to fail. The nation depends on your capacity to handle these challenges."

He then assured them of the maximum support of the Federal Government for effective discharge of their responsibilities.

Some of the newly promoted Captains include Samaila Lassa, Audu Gemu, Luka Paul Jehu, Yeminu Momoh Musa, Ibrahim Chonoqo, Ibrahim Majidabi Lawal and Othniel Gabo Filafa.

Also yesterday, the Minister of Defence, Dr. Shetima Mustapha, asked the Nigerian military to rededicate itself to the service of the country.

He made the call while decorating four principal officers attached to the ministry. He harped on the weight the territorial integrity of the country places on the military.

According to the minister, there is need for the Armed Forces to justify the confidence and pride of Nigerians by staying above board while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.

He noted that "your duties are not only to humanity but I believe is also service to God. It adds to the development of the individuals and the country. The issue of integrity is key. Since it has no duplicate, it is either you have it or you don't. As professionals, I expect you not to compromise but to adhere to the ethics."

While commending the newly promoted officers, the Minister of State, Demola Seriki, enjoined them to strive harder to move the ministry and the country higher than it was before their elevation.

Stressing that integrity should be their watchword, Seriki urged them to be steadfast. "It is often heard that after being promoted, some military officers often engage in acts that lead to their demotion, so it is incumbent on you to abstain from anything that will tarnish your image and that of the military or blemish what you have worked so hard to accomplish."

The newly promoted are Colonel Saghir Yaro, the Staff Officer to the Minister, Group Captains Olu Tunwase and Morakinyo Akiode and Major Madaki.

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