The headquarters of the Central Naval Command (CNC) and the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shield, were agog with celebrations recently. The officers took time off their routine of tackling oil theft, pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering to celebrate excellence and professionalism.
Their colleagues were promoted and the two security agencies dedicated separate days to decorate and celebrate the elevated officers. On the day of the CNC, the naval mess, where the chipping was done had some top military officers in attendance.
Flag Officer, Commanding, CNC, Rear Admiral Peter Agba, was on ground to receive officers from within and outside the command that came to witness the occasion.
The Commander, JTF, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Atewe, and representatives of all the naval ships within the command including the officer commanding the foremost Forward Operating Base, FORMOSO, attended the ceremony.
It was a unique joyous moment especially for the promoted officers. Their wives, friends and family members beamed with smiles as the exchange banters and pleasantries.
At the CNC, the newly-promoted officers, comprised two commodores and seven captains. Those elevated to the ranks of commodores are Musa Gemu and Sali Jubril. The captains are Adetokunbo Ayo-Vaughan; Shehu Akwu; Paul Nimyeh; Steven Ibrahim; Mohammed Muye; Madumon Ide and Victor Choji.
Their citations which revealed their steady, committed and fearless military voyage were read by Lt. Com. Olatunji Ayoade. With their track records and naval exploits, the guests concurred that the officers deserved their promotions.
At the JTF’s headquarters, the celebration galore went on. The JTF’s Media Coordinator, Lt. Col. Mustapha Anka and Lt. Col. Muhammed Danja were promoted to the ranks of colonel.
Also, Navy Commander Tahiru Umaru became a Navy Captain while the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Ahmed Magaji was elevated to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police.
The JTF Commander, Atewe, was in his full element. He was particularly happy that during his reign, five officers, the highest number since JTF began operation in the region, got promotions.
“To whom much is given, much is expected”, he said as he charged the officers to be creative and professional.
Atewe urged them to eschew unhealthy rivalry and stick to create success by working for it. To them, he said: “There is only one way to success: be a creative officer, not a competitive officer. Do not seem to compete with anybody. Stick to create success by you working for it. Then every other thing in the military will follow you.
“Envy nobody, because you have a very big place in the field of promotion – you can ascend to the highest position. Stick to do your work professionally – stick to do your best so that tomorrow, if you have left there, you will not regret for non-performing.”
He reminded the senior officers that their promotions entailed higher responsibilities. He stressed that at the level of General in the military, excuses are not entertained.
He further told the officers that promotion come from God and prayed God to grant their family members the good health to enjoy the dividends of the elevations.
“You do not give excuses for any work not done, but you take responsibility. As it is said, you do not tell a General what to do. You are constantly being observed by all and sundry.
“There is little or no advice you want to give to a senior officer, only to advise that when responsibility is given, you are to ensure that you personally visit to supervise, to confirm performance or non-performance.
“For performance, you appreciate and commend and create room for improvement for that standard. For non-performance, you find out why, whether the fault is from you or from the junior command.
“You cannot be a senior officer of you are not a good follower. Let your actions be professional. To ascend to the next level, be a good student. Study your environment and read your books”, he said.
Atewe dwelt on the importance of family members especially wives of the officers. He said without a stable and peaceful home, people would hardly get promotion in the military. He asked the officers to have deep respect for their wives and to treat them with care.
He said: “Promotion s from madam. Your wife is your last battle-line. Women control the house and for you to enjoy the house, you must be a good boy”. He also appealed to the wives not to sell out their husbands adding that unfavorable remarks from the wives could deny their husbands promotion.
In his remarks, the FOC reminded the officers that their elevation was for them to do more for the service of their fatherland.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. The country counts on you, so does the Navy and the command. I believe that your elevation has been as a result of hard work. I want to implore you to uphold that standard and surpass it,” Agba said.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Valentine Ntomchukwu, asked the officers to brace to the security challenges in the country. He said promotions are being approved to boost the morale of the officers and motivate them to face higher challenges.
“The country expects more from you. I want to rejoice with your families. From now, you will be held more accountable for your actions”, he said.
Speaking at the JTF’s event, the FOC represented by his Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral Michika, told the officers that their elevation was for them and the country.
“You must ensure that this country is kept at peace”, he said urging them to remember their families especially their wives. He recalled that in the past, some officers received their promotional arrears and squandered them. He asked the officer to hold their wives in high esteem.
“These ladies are the brains behind our success. Hold them with your life,” he said.
