Against rumours making the rounds on various media outlets on the purported death of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Nigerians are advised to disregard such ill-fated and unverified reports.
In a statement signed by the national chairman of the Renewed Hope Agenda, Hon Sam Atasia Oburu, said: “It is true that the COAS has traveled overseas but that for his annual leave and routine medical checkup.
“Before he left he handed over responsibility to his subordinate as required by law.”
Oburu said it is rather disappointing that some individuals who neither have a knowledge of his current situation nor access to any of his family members will rush to social media to announce the death of a man in very stable health.
“Clearly, this is the handwork of mischief makers and detractors bent on rubbishing his fight against terrorism and pushing him off the ladder but to their utter shame, he will surely return at the expiration of his leave to the saddle of command.
“As a detribalized Nigerian, the COAS has remained focused on fighting insurgency in the North, militancy and oil-bunkering in the Niger Delta, secessionists attempt by the IPOB now championed by the unknown gunmen in the South East, farmers-herders conflict in the Middle Belt and all terror related acts across the nation.
“His all-round approach to fighting crime and reaching every affected region of Nigeria has distinguished him amongst others.
“His unbiased appointments and redeployment of Major Generals, and Brigadier Generals amongst several other senior officers across NA formations and units in the country and recent personnel postings, promotions and training activities further cements his integrity and love for national unity and cohesion.
“The best Nigerians can do at this point for a warlord who at sundry times has placed his life on the line in the interest of national security is to ignore the baseless rumours and pray that he enjoys his vacation and return in renewed strength to continue his good works for our dear native land.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda The Way Forward frowns at this mischief calculated FAKE NEWS and is here- by calling on Nigerians to distance themselves from it
“The Chief of Army Staff is alive and active to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu.”
