Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Outgoing Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd.) has handed over affairs of the ministry to the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana.
The brief handing and taking over ceremony held at the Ship House headquarters of the Ministry was witnessed by management Staff, the Military and Civilian aides of he outgoing minister.
Gen. Magashi handed over to the Permanent Secretary documents containing the details of his stewardship since the day he assumed the Command of the Ministry as directed by outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari.
In his remarks, General Magashi (rtd) CFR appreciated the support of the Permanent Secretary Dr Ibrahim Abubakar, mni, the directors, staff and Ministerial aides for their vital roles in the success story of his eventful, peaceful and successful four – year tour of duty.
He showed appreciation to President Buhari for his appointment and the cooperation of the Chief of Defence Staff General LEO Irabor and the Service Chiefs for their patriotic service in defending the nation’s territorial integrity under his supervision.
The Minister also thanked the heads of military institutions and agencies under the ministry for their loyalty and service to the nation.
He said on record that his journey of service as the Honourable Minister of Defence has bequeathed legacies of accountability and prudency in managing public funds as well as entrenched Operational jointness among the services as well as improved capabilities of the fighting forces.
He noted that his tenure emplaced various reforms, improved staff welfare and Trainings among others.
Responding, the Permanent Secretary Dr Kana congratulated the Minister for successfully concluding his tour of duty.
While wishing him God’s protection at all times, he thanked him for repositioning the Ministry and leaving it better than he met it four years ago.
Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi(rtd) CFR assumed the Area of Responsibility of the Ministry of Defence which was established in 1958 as its 24th Chief Executive on the 21st August, 2019 at the inception of the second term of the eight year tenure of the Commander-in- Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces,President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR.
