The Nigerian Army, a crucial institution for national security, has seen numerous distinguished officers at its helm as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) since its inception. However, a significant milestone in the history of the Nigerian military and indeed, for the Igbo people, was the appointment of Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika. He holds the unique distinction of being the first officer of Igbo extraction to be appointed Chief of Army Staff in post-Civil War Nigeria.
A Trailblazing Appointment
Prior to General Ihejirika’s appointment, the Igbo nation had a prominent figure in Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, who served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Nigerian Army before becoming the Head of State in 1966. However, after the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), the appointment of an Igbo officer to such a high-ranking military position like the Chief of Army Staff was a subject of much discussion and anticipation.
On September 8, 2010, President Goodluck Jonathan appointed Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika as the Chief of Army Staff. This appointment was widely regarded as a significant step towards greater inclusivity and national integration, as it broke a perceived barrier that had existed since the end of the civil war.
General Ihejirika’s Background and Tenure
Born on February 13, 1956, in Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State, Southeast Nigeria, Lieutenant General Ihejirika had a distinguished career in the Nigerian Army. He was commissioned into the army on December 17, 1977, as a member of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 18th regular combatant course.
During his tenure as COAS, from September 2010 to January 2014, General Ihejirika faced numerous security challenges, most notably the escalating Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East. He played a critical role in shaping the Nigerian Army’s response to these threats, introducing various reforms and operational strategies aimed at enhancing the army’s effectiveness.
Legacy and Significance
General Ihejirika’s appointment was more than just a military posting; it carried immense symbolic weight. It represented a visible sign of healing and national cohesion, demonstrating that competence and merit could transcend ethnic considerations in leadership appointments within critical national institutions. His leadership during a challenging period for Nigeria’s security further solidified his place in the country’s military history.
While the discussion about regional representation in national leadership continues in Nigeria, Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika’s tenure as the first Igbo Chief of Army Staff in the post-civil war era remains a landmark achievement, marking a moment of renewed hope and integration for the nation.