New Air Force Chief: God Made My Appointment Possible

* Pledges to tackle threats to national security

* Appreciates predecessor for mentorship 

* Amao: It was an honour to serve my country

The new Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has declared that his appointment is an act of God, while pledging to tackle threats to national security and reinvigorate the fight against insurgency.

He spoke as the former Air Force Chief, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, was also full of praises to God for his rise to the pinnacle of his career.

Abubakar, who spoke after he received the mantle of leadership and insignia of office from his predecessor in Abuja Thursday, asserted that his administration was committed to moving the force to a higher pedestal.

He thanked his predecessor, whom he described as “one of the foremost leaders produced by the Nigerian Air Force”, for his mentorship.

“I thank the Almighty God for my appointment as the 22nd Chief of  Air Staff.

“I thank my predecessor for his mentorship. He is one the foremost leaders produced by the Nigerian Air Force. I congratulate you on your distinguished career in the Nigerian Air Force.

“I assure you that we will move Nigerian Air Force to a higher pedestal as you have mentored us,” he said.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his appointment. 

“I restate our commitment to reinvigorate the fight against insurgency and other criminality bedevilling our country,” he said.

He commended branch chiefs and other senior officers currently disengaging from the service. 

“Your contributions are highly appreciated. We will always tap on your experience.

“We will always rise against any threat to Nigeria to carry out diligently all national security imperatives,” he said.

Meanwhile, the former Air Force Chief, Amao, was also full of praises to God for his rise to the pinnacle of his career.

He said his successor contributed immensely to his success in office.

“I Thank God for my rise to air chief. It’s an honour to serve my country in such capacity.

I congratulate the new air chief on his new role as 22nd Chief of Air Staff.

“He contributed immensely to the success of my administration. He helped to improve the safety standards of the air force,” he said.

He thanked the personnel for support that led to the success of his administration.

“Our capacity for air power projection has improved significantly. We now conduct night operations,” he said and urged the new CAS to improve on and surpass his legacy.

He stated that the air force under his watch embarked on procurement of many platforms.

“Most of the senior officers and branch chiefs exiting the service contributed significantly to the success of my administration.

“I urge personnel to accord same support to him, pray for him for a successful tenure,” he said.