𝐈 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 — 𝐄𝐱-𝐂𝐃𝐒 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐚

Immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (retd.), says he is leaving office “with a clear conscience,” having served the Nigerian Armed Forces with dedication and accountability for nearly four decades.

Speaking during his pull-out parade in Abuja on Friday, Musa expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, describing his tenure as an honour he would forever cherish.

“As I hang my uniform today, I do so with a clear conscience, knowing that I gave my all. I leave with cherished memories of camaraderie — of battles fought and triumphs celebrated as one family. The sound of the bugle may change for me, but the soldier’s heart beats on forever,” he said.

He pledged continued loyalty to President Tinubu and Nigeria, stressing that though retired, his commitment to the nation’s unity and security remains unwavering.

“I might be retiring from active military service today, but I’m by no means retiring from my love for our dear country, Nigeria. I remain a soldier at heart and a patriot ever loyal to the constitution and sovereignty of our great nation,” he added.

Musa emphasised that tackling insecurity demands stronger synergy among security and intelligence agencies, noting that no single institution can win the war alone. He also urged Nigerians to keep praying for troops on the frontline.

He congratulated his successor, General Olufemi Oluyede, urging officers and personnel to extend the same loyalty and professionalism to the new leadership. Musa further appreciated his family for their patience and sacrifices, describing them as “unsung heroes.”