Defence headquarters names Bugudu as acting Chief of Army Staff as Lagbaja begins leave

The Defence Headquarters has announced the appointment of an acting Chief of Army Staff following Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja’s official leave.

This decision has stirred speculation regarding the reasons behind Lagbaja’s absence, with some sources suggesting health-related issues may be a factor.

The situation has reportedly ignited a flurry of political maneuvering and lobbying among influential retired generals and politicians eager to position themselves for succession.

Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, who was born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023 as the 27th Chief of Army Staff.

In a statement issued on Saturday by Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, the Defence Headquarters sought to quash rumors of a leadership vacuum within the Nigerian Army.

Nwachukwu emphasized that proper protocols were established prior to Lagbaja’s leave, appointing Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), to act on his behalf during this period.

“Claims of a leadership vacuum in the Nigerian Army at present are mere speculation,” Nwachukwu clarified.

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“The Nigerian Army is a highly structured establishment with well-laid-out procedures and processes for dealing with different circumstances.” He reassured the public that all routine and scheduled activities continue as planned.

In further clarification, Nwachukwu addressed concerns that Lagbaja’s absence has stalled promotions within the Army. He noted that the results of the recent Captain-to-Major promotion examination have been released following approval from the Chief of Policy and Plans.

“Indeed, in line with its Forecast of Events for 2024, the Nigerian Army recently conducted the Captain-to-Major Practical Promotion Examination in Akure,” he explained. The Commander of Training and Doctrine Command, Major General Kevin Aligbe, announced the results after they were duly authorized by Major General Ibrahim.

Additionally, Nwachukwu mentioned that the ongoing Master Warrant Officer to Army Warrant Officer promotion exercise in Jos follows a similar recent exercise held in Kaduna, with results expected soon after reconciliation with the Army Headquarters Department of Personnel Management.

Addressing further insinuations about delays caused by Lagbaja’s leave, Nwachukwu clarified that it is not standard practice for the Chief of Army Staff to personally oversee postings or promotions, as these responsibilities are routinely handled by the appropriate departmental chiefs.

“These Departmental Chiefs are fully committed to their roles and are carrying out their responsibilities in line with the COAS Command Philosophy,” he added.

Nwachukwu concluded by urging the public to maintain confidence in the Nigerian Army, asserting that the service remains committed to managing the security landscape of the country and is prepared to defend Nigeria against any threats to its territorial integrity.