Major-General Isidore Edet on Monday took over as the new General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Lagos, as the former Major.-General. Tamunomiebi Dibi, retired from service.

Dibi told the officers and men that he was exiting from the Nigerian Army after serving the mandatory 35 years, noting that they were lucky to have his successor.

“You have an officer that is an embodiment of knowledge and intelligence.

“You have a GOC that knows his onions and worth his rank. You have a GOC that is not assisted follow-through or assisted follow-up.

“By dint of hard work, discipline, high sense of duty and commitment, he is able to wade through and become a Major General, and today you have him as GOC 81 Division.

“I must urge you to tap into his experiences and exposure; I ask all of you to cooperate with him.

“I ask all of you to follow the change; he is your leader; he will show you direction and you will follow.”

The retiring general said he was leaving his peace with the officers and men, describing his 18 months at the Division as an eventful one.

Dibi commended his men for their loyalty and cooperation and urged them to extend such to the new GOC.

He noted that during his time, some officers and men did not do well, while some did well.

“For those that had done so well, I encourage you to continue and do even more and be part of the success story of 81 Division; I commend all of you.

“Those who did not do well, I encourage you to change your attitude to work, be more dedicated and be serious. You don’t have another job, neither do you have another army rather than this.

“Army is a voluntary organisation, you decided to join, no one forced you into it, therefore, let nobody force you to do your job which you are being paid for.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the old flag of the division was replaced with a new one, signifying the end of Dibi’s tenure and the beginning of Edet’s. (NAN)

•Photo shows Gen. Buratai