Dr. Ade Abolurin, the outgoing Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security Defence Corps, on Tuesday said the integrity and credibility of the corps must be sustained.
Abolurin made the remarks at the official handover ceremony to Abdullahi Muhammadu, the newly-appointed Commandant General.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that Muhammadu was on Friday named Abolurin’s successor by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Abolurin said: “People must have passion for the job as we support the government of the day and patriotism as well as professionalism must be seen in our attitude and display.”
He congratulated his successor and urged him to build upon the existing structure, taking into cognisance the mission and vision statements of the corps, which centred on humility, integrity and zero tolerance for corruption.
He said: “I want to give God the glory and adoration for leading us up to this level.
“I indeed feel proud, highly elated and very fulfilled for taking the NSCDC to the level where it is now.
“I do know we have not completely arrived, but I am happy that I am leaving behind a corps that can be identified with integrity, credibility, zero tolerance for corruption, diligence and respect.
“Therefore, you have seen that we have come of age to a particular level and from this level we can only say we shall move on to greater heights.”
Abolurin also called on the personnel to give his successor maximum cooperation in order to succeed as he bowed out after successfully serving the government and the corps for 10 meritorious years.
He congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari for his decision and magnanimity in appointing an insider to keep the flag flying and to ensure continuity in the system.
In his remarks, Muhammadu applauded his predecessor for his laudable projects and indelible record of achievements.
He assured him of continuity to consolidate on the existing structure by taking staff welfare as one of his cardinal priority.
He eulogised Abolurin on his fatherly role toward personnel and named him as the “father of Civil Defence in Nigeria”.
He said the outgone Commandant-General would forever remain his mentor.
He said: “You shall indeed remain the one and true Commandant-General of NSCDC for life, my father and mentor.
“Your shoes are indeed too large for me to fill and so this is a challenge to us but by the grace of God we shall surmount all the battles ahead.
“I am assuring you that with the training and exposure you have graciously given to me, I will use the experience and knowledge that I have gained to move the Corps forward.”
NAN.
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