Military Pledges Support for 2011 Polls •As service chiefs hand over

The military yesterday renewed its commitment to the sustenance of democratic rule and pledged to support Federal Government’s determination to conduct to a free and fair election in 2011.

The pledge came as the former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Paul Dike, formally handed over to his successor, Air Marshal Oluseyin Pentinrin, who in turn handed over to the new Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Dikko Umar.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony, the new service chiefs, who spoke separately, said the success of the country’s democracy would be determined by the military’s dedication to duty, discipline and subordination to democratic rule and pledged to support government in its transition programme.

Dike, who said he was handing over to Pentinrin, a second time, the first while moving up as Chief of Defence Staff when Pentinrin took over as Chief of Air Staff two years ago and the second one being his handover to him as the new Chief of Defence Staff.
He thanked President Jonathan for giving him the opportunity to serve and expressed confidence in Pentinrin’s ability to take the armed forces to greater heights.

In his remarks, Pentinrin thanked President Jonathan for the opportunity given him to serve as the new Chief of Defence Staff. He said he would continue the good work started by Air Chiefa Marshal Dike.
He stated that his administration would adopt the team spirit in taking the armed forces to greater heights.
Speaking while handing over to his successor at the Airforce, Pentinrin listed some of his achievements to include budgeting, welfare, training and establishment of a company for the force among others and hoped that his successor would continue with the running programmes.

Speaking at the occasion, the new Airforce boss promised to continue with Pentinrin’s programmes whom he said was “an achiever per excellence” even as he said there might be slight adjustments if the need arose.
He pledged the loyalty of the military and the airforce in march to sustain democratic rule.