The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), said he was “absolutely satisfied” with the performance of the newly promoted Commander, Brigade of Guards, Major Gen. Mohammed Usman.
Buhari, who noted he was very difficult to satisfy, said shortly after decorating Usman at a short ceremony at the Villa, that, ‘‘Nobody has been able to touch me while you are here. I’m absolutely satisfied with your performance.”
This was contained in a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, titled, ‘President Buhari decorates newly promoted Commander, Brigade of Guards.
The President, assisted by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, and the wife of the Commander, Dr Rekiya Usman, decorated the officer with the rank of Major General.
Speaking shortly after the ceremony, the President recalled his tumultuous military career marked with coups, counter-coups and detention, describing Usman as a very lucky officer to have risen to the height of his military career with distinction and without hiccups.
He commended General Usman for his diligence, loyalty, patience and hard work.
‘‘You are very lucky to have the health and ability to carry out your assignments.
‘‘Those who work with me know I am very difficult to satisfy. But I have never had any reason, whatsoever, to report you to the Chief of Army Staff or the Minister of Defence,” Buhari said.
The President said he would give the directive on Usman’s next assignment, considering that he too is about to leave office, and as he had often said, ‘‘I will live far away from Abuja.’’
Buhari commended the family of the military officer for their patience in putting up with the challenging assignment he carried out with great attitude and steadfastness.
In his remarks, Usman thanked the President for his outstanding support to the Brigade of Guards, citing the approval for the procurement of 400 armoured vehicles, which he said were enough to secure his area of responsibility including the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa State and parts of Niger State.
He expressed joy for the promotion, saying that it would spur him to do even better in his assigned responsibilities.
