General Christopher Musa (retd.), Immediate past Chief of Defence Staff has said he is elated to have given his best to the service of Nigeria, especially in the fight against insurgency and there bows out with a clear conscience.
In a speech delivered at his pull-out parade in Abuja, General Musa said the hallmark of his service to country spanning close to the four decades is accountability and integrity.
“As I hang my uniform today, I do so with a clear conscience, knowing that I gave my all. I leave with cherished memories of camaraderie — of battles fought and triumphs celebrated as one family. The sound of the bugle may change for me, but the soldier’s heart beats on forever,” he said.
”I might be retiring from active military service today, but I’m by no means retiring from my love for our dear country, Nigeria. I remain a soldier at heart and a patriot ever loyal to the constitution and sovereignty of our great nation. Once again, I appreciate Mr President for the opportunity to serve as the Chief of Defence Staff for two years plus,” he said.
The retired CSD explained that the fight against insurgency and violent uprising cannot be left to the military alone, nothing that stronger intelligence driven approach is the best panacea to the common enemy. He therefore urged Nigerians to continue to pray for solders in the frontline.
“I want to state this clearly, that there is no single institution, no single organisation that can win this war alone. We must synergise, we must collaborate, we must fight together, and I appeal to all Nigerians to pray for our troops, to pray for our security forces so that we can win — and together we shall succeed. Nigeria shall continue to develop,” he said.
General Musa thanks his family for their support and also appreciated the media for their support for the military throughout his time in the saddle. He therefore congratulated his successor and wished him well in the new assignment.
