Defence Radio as Jonathan’s Parting Gift
Few days into the expiration of his tenure, President Goodluck Jonathan set a record with the flag-off of Defence Radio for the military. Raheem Akingbolu writes
His arguments are hardly disputed. While pleading with Nigerians to help the military with accurate information so that the country can be more effective in the anti-terror war, he insinuated that western countries were not ready to help Nigeria despite the fact that Boko Haram “is more vicious” that the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), which is currently being bombed by the US and its Arab allies. “If you look at what is happening in Nigeria, Boko Haram is not different with ISIS in Iraq and Syria. In fact, our own people are more vicious, but everybody has gone to Syria to go and bomb. Who has come to your aid? You have just been left alone to do it,” he said.
On assumption of office having been appointed by the President and Commanderin-Chief of the Armed Forces, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Nigeria’s 15th Chief of Defence Staff on 16th of January, 2014, Air Chief Marshal Alex Sabundu Badeh proceeded to take charge of the Nigerian Armed Forces with an uncommon determination and zeal.
By stroke of providence, his appointment came at a time when there was an unimaginable ascendancy of the Boko Haram terrorism in the north east part of the country. Expectedly, he devoted his attention and set his priority towards the counter terrorist operation.
Like an incurable optimist, he proceeded with a positive mindset and pragmatism in order to bring to fruition his vision for the Nigerian Armed Forces. Not distracted by the irritation and distraction of the Boko Haram terrorists and their sympathizers, he embarked upon on and executed over 30 major transformational projects that were geared towards repositioning the Nigerian Armed Forces for greatness. His approach was simply to confront challenges realistically and as practicable as possible, with a view to providing lasting solutions, while at the same time maximizing cost. Management of critical issues Even as the activities of Boko Haram terrorist elements were literarily boiling over, Badeh never wavered nor discomfited. He remained focused, determined and result-oriented despite the orchestrated media vilification and unconscionable taunts that were directed at his person, his office and the entire Nigerian military. As a Commander, he identified his challenges and plotted his strategies.
He consistently assured Nigerians that the war will end and that good will ultimately triumph over evil.The success and peaceful conducts of the recent election vindicated him and the service chiefs who had reiterated that all efforts had been made to provide maximum security before, during and after the elections.
As firm believer in the maxim that good working environment engenders productivity in the work force, Air Chief Marshal Badeh on assumption of office took a tour of the Defence Headquarters and discovered a dearth of office accommodation for staff. Some offices accommodated more than two deputy directors while some offices had a lot of senior officers. Additionally, the general office environment was unkempt and dirty.
This informed the need for more offices to be created and a complete renovation and expansion of the DHQ complex were embarked upon. About 30 new offices have been created and a new ultra-modern conference room with gallery as well as audio-visual and briefing room befitting of Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters were built in the office extension.
Among other notable projects the Chief initiated and completed within the short period of his tenure as the Chief of Defence Staff include the renovation and modification of Defence House Lagos. The dilapidated state of the House necessitated major renovation and modifications. Defence House Lagos is today wearing a new look.