By Emmanuel Obisue
Ahead of the May 29 transition to a new government, the Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Bashir Magashi (rtd) has handed over the running of the ministry to the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Kana,
The minister at the brief ceremony over the weekend which took place at the Ship House, headquarters of the ministry, handed over the documents containing the details of his stewardship from the assumption of office to the Permanent Secretary as directed by the outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari.
The outgoing minister expressed gratitude to the Permanent Secretary, the directors, staff and ministerial aids for their vital roles in the success recorded under him in the ministry in the last four years, Special Assistant to the Minister on Media and Publicity, Mohammad Abdulkadri said in a statement.
According to the statement, the minister also thanked outgoing President Buhari for finding him worthy of the exalted office.
He equally thanked the Chief of Defence Staff General Leo Irabor, Service Chiefs for their patriotic service in defending the nation’s territorial integrity under his supervision as well as heads of military institutions and parastatals under the ministry for their loyalty and service to the nation.
The statement added, “He proudly put it on record that his journey of service as the Honourable Minister of Defence has bequeathed legacies of accountability and prudency in managing public funds as well as entrenched Operational jointness among the services as well as improved capabilities of the fighting forces.
“Also his tenure emplaced various reforms, improved staff welfare and Trainings among others.
“Responding, the Permanent Secretary Dr Kana congratulated the Minister for successfully concluding his tour of duty. While wishing him God’s protection at all times, he thanked him for repositioning the Ministry and leaving it better than he met it four years ago.”
Major General Magashi assumed duty in the ministry on the August 21, 2019.
