I’M NOT BOKO HARAM SPONSOR – IHEJIRIKA

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Onyeabo Azuuike Ihejirika (rtd) has denied allegations that he is a sponsor of the dreaded Boko Haram terror group in Nigeria.
An Australian self-appointed negotiator, Dr. Stephen Davis, had in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, published on an online Nigerian publication, The Cable, on August 27, 2014 named Gen. Ihejirika as one of the sponsors of terrorists, but the ex-COAS has described the allegations as frivolous.
The ex-Army chief, while speaking in Abuja at a gathering of Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA Alumni 18 Regular Course, said he was at the forefront of establishing counterterrorism structures while serving as the COAS, and can never sponsor terrorism.
“I will not and I will never, no matter the situation and pressures, contribute in overheating the system. When we joined the military, it was a sacrifice for our country.
“Ironically, 18 regular course suffered one of the worst disasters. Our course suffered several hurdles, which we had to pass through. Boko Haram menace is one hurdle that is challenging but we shall overcome.

IHEJIRIKA BLAMES POROUS BORDERS FOR INSURGENCY

The immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, has blamed Nigeria’s porous borders for the insurgency in the North-East.
Ihejirika said this during his Valedictory Speech at a parade in his honour to mark his exit from the Nigerian Army.
``We must realise that the world is passing through an increasingly volatile and uncertain 21st century and our situation in Nigeria had been made complex by regional and transnational threat.
``This is further accelerated by information technology, desertification, international migration across the borders, and competition for scarce resources, weapon proliferation and several unresolved ethno-religious conflicts.
``In the last few years, we have had to deploy the army extensively at home and abroad along with other services.

‘ONLY JONATHAN CAN RETIRE IHEJIRIKA’

Recently, the Nigerian Army retired its members of Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) 21 regular course in line with the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of service.
However, there have been reactions from different quarters that the present Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika is a member if 18th regular course and is still active in the military and may be retired soon. There have also been speculations from others that he may likely be the next Chief of Defence Staff.

ARMY PROMOTIONS: I’M NOT FAVOURING MY KINSMEN – IHEJIRIKA

The Nigerian Army yesterday defended its recent promotions and deployments, saying they were based on merit. It warned critics not to politicise the institution, even as a panel indicted Gen. Mohammed Isa, the immediate past commander, Nigerian Army Corps of Infantry, Jaji, over last year’s bombing.

A section of the media had been publishing stories of alleged ethnic and religious cleansing in the army. But the chief of army staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Onyeabo Azubuike Ihejirika, yesterday faulted the critics by presenting figures that contradicted the stories and rumours flying around.

ARMY PUTS RETIRED GENERAL, OTHERS UNDER WATCH

The authorities of the Nigerian Army have put a retired Major General under close watch over the allegations of nepotism against the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika.

Also being closely watched are a few of the accomplices of the general, who are strongly suspected to have aided him in whipping up ethnic sentiments in the army.

The general was said to have served in the army for the mandatory 35 years but was retired compulsory during the last retirement exercise involving some 51 top officers of the army.

IHEJIRIKA TO RESPOND TO ALLEGED ETHNIC BIAS IN THE ARMY

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Onyeabo Azubuike Ihejirika, has expressed his disappointment over allegations of ethnic cleansing and victimisation leveled against him. This was just as he promised to address the issue next week.

A section of the media had raised an alarm accusing the Army Chief of giving his kinsmen juicy appointments and of violating the Army Council directives since his emergence as the COAS even Army authorities faulted the allegation and disclosed that Gen Ihejirika would address the issue soon.

MILITARY POSTINGS:IHEJIRIKA MUZZLES COAS CONTENDERS

On the face of it, the recent postings of top military officers of the Nigerian Army may seem a normal exercise, but there appears to be a deliberate attempt to position some favoured officers for a final onslaught on top contenders to the office of a future Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

On favouritism exhibited by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika, the postings deliberately posted junior officers above their seniors to be General Officer Commanding, Corps Commanders or Brigade Commanders.

MAJOR SHAKEUP IN ARMY: COAS REDEPLOYS 317 OFFICERS

Following the recent promotions and retirements in the Nigerian Army, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Onyemoabi Azubike Ihejirika yesterday redeployed 317 senior officers to fill the vacuum created by the wind of the retirements.

LEADERSHIP had exclusively reported last week about the impending redeployment that would affect all the Army units and formations.

According to a statement issued in Abuja and signed by the out-going Director, Army Public Relations, Maj-Gen. Mobolaji Koleosho, the COAS said the action was taken “to fill the vacuum and maintain effective command structure in Army units, formations and the Defence Headquarters.”

RAPE: ARMY DISMISSES 4 PRESIDENTIAL GUARDS

The chief of army staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Onyeabo Ihejirika, has ordered the dismissal of four members of the Brigade of Guards accused of raping women in Abuja recently.
Also, palpable apprehension has enveloped generals in the army as plans have been concluded for an imminent shake-up in army formations. The changes may be announced today.
The four soldiers found guilty of raping women in the Federal Capital Territory were dismissed from the Army yesterday after a military trial.