Major General Bako, a Course 24 regular intake of the Nigeria Defence Academy, after enlistment, progressed through the approved channels of promotions and postings until he became a Brigadier General in the Finance Corp where he served, not necessarily by choice since he had originally wanted to be in the Artillery Corps.

All along, the senior officer, who was the Director of Finance and Accounts at Defence Headquarters before his promotion, was reputed to have shunned matters of corruption and carried out his duties strictly in accordance with the dictates of whichever office he found himself at particular times.

He was said to have been very strict with the rules and when there was money remaining from projects or operations, he readily declared such to the chagrin of his superiors, colleagues or the establishment as the case may be.

Being the very strict Christian that he is, nobody found him stepping out of line on matters bordering on diverting funds and engaging in other self-enrichment dealings to the detriment of the Nigerian Army.

But in spite of his clean record in this regard, this fine officer soon found himself faced with retirement as a Brigadier General for reasons other than the fact that he has remained steadfast and righteous in the discharge of his duty.

Therefore, the unexpected elevation of Bako to the rank of Major General by President Goodluck Jonathan based on the recommendation of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika, in mid-year, the first of its kind in the annals of the Nigeria Army, has been severally described as a miracle, something only common in the civil society.

His promotion elicited tears and excitement from officers and soldiers because they said he is someone who will ensure everybody gets what is due to him or her no matter the rank.

It would be recalled that Bako who got promoted from Colonel to Brigadier General on July 11, 2006, was awaiting the collection of his retirement letter last December.

His fellow Brigadier-General colleagues spent only two years on that rank before being elevated to the rank of Major-General. His retirement letter was kept in abeyance and when a letter eventually came, it was that of a promotion.


culled from: http://odili.net/news/source/2011/jul/20/316.html