Indications have emerged that some Army Generals have started lobbying for the position of Nigerian Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
This is coming on the heels of reports that the current COAS is on admission at a foreign hospital undergoing treatment for a yet-to-be-disclosed health issue.
This is even as the Army Headquarters (AHQ), through the spokesman, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, responded to the reports, saying Lagbaja.
Nwachukwu stated that COAS is on leave and that arrangements are in place to ensure there is no vacuum in his absence.
Recall that an online medium, SaharaReporters, had reported that the Army chief, who was allegedly flown out over the undisclosed ailment, is incapacitated, as a result of the sickness.
SaharaReporters stated that the Army Chief’s health had taken a turn for the worse. That, “he is now bedridden and incapacitated due to his deteriorating condition,” the medium reported.
It noted that Lagbaja’s health condition is causing significant concerns within the military establishment.
“His health is seriously deteriorating and he is currently incapable. He is on a sick bed; he can’t hear what people are saying again. Just like someone with hearing problems. We are praying for his quick recovery”, SaharaReporters quoted one of the sources as saying.
“So, it’s a very serious illness but the Army authorities can never disclose it now. Even before this stage, General Lagbaja was prepared to resign because of the health challenge,” SaharaReporters quoted the source.
However, there are indications that some Army Generals, particularly of the Regular 40 and 41 intakes, are angling for the position.
According to Vanguard online, these are the next most senior officer cadre following those of 38 and 39 Regulars.
Vanguard reported that Generals have commenced underground lobbying of traditional rulers, NASS members, top politicians and even former Heads of State for consideration for appointment as the next COAS.
Recall that tongues started wagging about the whereabouts of Lagbaja after he was conspicuously absent at the October 1, 2024 Independence anniversary celebrations held at the Presidential Villa, Aso, Abuja.
Since then, the COAS have been missing at several other functions that have taken place without his presence. These included the burial ceremony organized for the late Director of Army Legal Services, Major General Seidu Inaboya Musa, at the National Military Cemetery. Lagbaja was represented at the event by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Major Gen Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim.
SaharaReporters had reported that Lagbaja was flown abroad by his family members following the “strange illness”.
Quoting a source, the medium said, “The Chief of Army Staff is nowhere to be found for many days now. He hasn’t been seen at the Army headquarters or any military function in the last three weeks.
“I can confirm to you that he is seriously sick and was taken to the hospital. However, his family members arranged for him to be moved out of the country for medical treatment”.
“The COAS is a leader and most of the Major Generals are doing anyhow. Because they have no one to report to currently.
“Anybody can fall sick but someone needs to be in charge. I wish him a very quick recovery, I have known him since our days in Makurdi, Benue State. We were both young officers then and he was a captain,” the medium stated.
“As military men, we were taught to be observant. So, I noticed he was not at the October 1 Independence Day parade ground in Abuja. I asked my superiors including a General and I was told that he was out of the country. You know, it is unusual for him not to be around at that time,” SaharaReporters quoted another source.
“Also, the 2024 promotion list of soldiers which was completed a few weeks back is yet to be signed by the COAS. I was told that the Chief of Administration cannot do it because it will escalate the COAS’s absence. Some of my subordinates who are due for promotion are already grumbling,” SaharaReporters quoted.
source: Vanguard
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