Army Makes Clarification On COAS, Faruk Yahaya’s Service Record

The Nigerian Army has clarified that the new Chief of Army
Staff, COAS, Major Gen. Faruk Yahaya’s service record started on
September 22, 1990, when he was commissioned as an officer.

Brig.-General Mohammed Yerima, the Director, Army Public
Relations made the clarification in a statement in Abuja on
Tuesday.

Yerima explained that Yahaya, during his confirmation screening
at the National Assembly, mentioned that he was bringing his
thirty-six years of military experience to bear.

He said the COAS told the Senators that what he brought along
“in this highly tasking office is about thirty-six years of
military experience, having joined the Army on September 27, 1985,
as a member of 37 Regular Course (Degree).

Yerima said, “The record of service of an officer, however,
counts from the day he is commissioned.

“This is clearly stated in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions
of Service (Officers) 2017 Revised.

“In the case of the 22nd COAS, as he stated clearly, he was
commissioned on September 22 1990, which is a reference point for
his service years.

“This, therefore, means the message being circulated is
completely inaccurate and out of context.”

Yerima, however, advised the public to disregard claims that
tended to portray that Yahaya had spent 36 years in service.

According to the Army spokesperson, such claims emanated from
lack of knowledge of the military service or out of mischief, which
can best be explained by their authors.

The Nigerian Army has clarified that the new Chief of Army
Staff, COAS, Major Gen. Faruk Yahaya’s service record started on
September 22, 1990, when he was commissioned as an officer.

Brig.-General Mohammed Yerima, the Director, Army Public
Relations made the clarification in a statement in Abuja on
Tuesday.

Yerima explained that Yahaya, during his confirmation screening
at the National Assembly, mentioned that he was bringing his
thirty-six years of military experience to bear.

He said the COAS told the Senators that what he brought along
“in this highly tasking office is about thirty-six years of
military experience, having joined the Army on September 27, 1985,
as a member of 37 Regular Course (Degree).

Yerima said, “The record of service of an officer, however,
counts from the day he is commissioned.

“This is clearly stated in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions
of Service (Officers) 2017 Revised.

“In the case of the 22nd COAS, as he stated clearly, he was
commissioned on September 22 1990, which is a reference point for
his service years.

“This, therefore, means the message being circulated is
completely inaccurate and out of context.”

Yerima, however, advised the public to disregard claims that
tended to portray that Yahaya had spent 36 years in service.

According to the Army spokesperson, such claims emanated from
lack of knowledge of the military service or out of mischief, which
can best be explained by their authors.