Former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa (rtd), says he is leaving the Nigerian Armed Forces with a “clear conscience,” after more than three decades of service to the nation.
General Musa, who formally handed over to his successor, General Olufemi Oluyede, on Friday at a colourful pull-out parade in Abuja, said he was proud of his record and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Nigeria’s top military officer.
“As I hang my uniform today, I do so with a clear conscience, knowing that I gave it my all,” he told guests at the ceremony.
“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.”
General Musa expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for entrusting him with the leadership of the Armed Forces, pledging his continued loyalty to the country even in retirement.
“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, ” he said.
He urged troops to remain disciplined and united under the new service chiefs, emphasising that collective effort was crucial in defeating insecurity.
“There is no single institution or organisation that can win this war alone.
“We must synergise, collaborate, and fight together. I appeal to all Nigerians to pray for our troops so that we can succeed together. Nigeria shall continue to develop, ” said.
President Tinubu last week reshuffled the nation’s security leadership, replacing Musa who had served as CDS since June 2023 with General Oluyede, formerly the Chief of Army Staff.
Also appointed were Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu as the new Chief of Army Staff, alongside new heads for the Navy and Air Force, in what the Presidency described as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s defence architecture.
The new service chiefs were confirmed by the Senate earlier this week and decorated with their ranks by the President on Thursday.
