Tinubu Celebrates Ihejirika at 70, Reaffirms Support for State Police, Inclusive Security Leadership

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd), on his 70th birthday, describing him as a patriot, Pan-Nigerian and fine gentleman who served the nation with courage and distinction.

Tinubu spoke on Friday night at a public lecture titled “Leading Nigeria Forward: Strategies for Security and National Cohesion,” organised by the Abia State Government in honour of Ihejirika’s contributions to national security. The event was held in Umuahia.

Represented by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Ude, the President described Ihejirika as a courageous general who led the army during a turbulent period of insurgency and acquitted himself credibly. He prayed for good health and long life for the retired officer, noting that the country would continue to benefit from his experience in tackling insecurity.

The President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive leadership within the nation’s security architecture. He observed that Ihejirika was the last service chief from the South-East before his administration took office on May 29, 2023.

Tinubu noted that his government appointed Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla from the South-East as Chief of Naval Staff in June 2023 and Air Marshal Sunday Aneke as Chief of Air Staff in October 2025, saying the appointments reflect efforts to promote national cohesion and a sense of belonging across regions.

“We will continue on this trajectory because it is only by giving every part of the country a sense of belonging in setting up the nation’s security architecture that we are able to bolster national cohesion, loyalty and solidarity needed to overcome the enemies of our nation,” he said.

The President reiterated his support for the creation of state police and urged the National Assembly to review relevant laws to enable sub-national policing where necessary. He stressed that the size and diversity of Nigeria require additional policing structures to effectively address security challenges and called for unity across the country.

In his remarks, Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State, said the lecture and project inaugurations were deliberately scheduled to coincide with Ihejirika’s birthday in recognition of his service to the state and the nation. He said the retired general’s appointment as Chairman of the Abia State Security Council was based on merit and had strengthened security coordination in the state. Otti urged public office holders to prioritise service, integrity and courage over personal interests.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, represented by Maj.-Gen. Thompson Ugiagbe, Chief of Standard and Evaluation, said Ihejirika’s career was marked by service and sacrifice, adding that his contributions significantly enhanced national security. He called on South-East residents to support military operations with timely intelligence and cooperation.

Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), said Ihejirika mentored many officers and strengthened operational strategies, noting that his introduction of long-range patrol concepts influenced later command approaches. He also commended ongoing infrastructural development in Abia State and called for unity among South-East leaders and citizens.

Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, described Ihejirika as a courageous and principled officer who promoted personnel strictly on merit and strengthened institutional fairness. He urged leaders in the region to avoid divisive rhetoric and support development initiatives.

Keynote speaker, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, said effective leadership must be driven by vision, inclusivity, accountability and trust to improve security and governance. He highlighted terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping and communal conflicts as major challenges, and called for better resourcing and welfare for security agencies, alongside stronger community engagement.

Chairman of the occasion, Maj.-Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), described Ihejirika as an exceptional officer and statesman devoted to national unity and development. He advocated true federalism and greater collaboration between citizens and the armed forces to strengthen security and governance.

In his response, Ihejirika thanked God for his life and military career, expressing appreciation for the large turnout of senior officers and dignitaries. He recalled early mentorship that shaped his discipline and confidence, and said he never viewed his career through the lens of ethnicity or marginalisation. He urged Nigerians to embrace unity and national cohesion.

Ihejirika, a native of Ovim in Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State, was born on February 13, 1956. He served as Chief of Army Staff from September 2010 to January 2014 under former President Goodluck Jonathan and was the first Igbo officer to hold the position since the end of the civil war in 1970.