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.
