By JOHN NWOKOCHA

On Friday, May 28, the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj Gen Faruk Yahaya, assumed Command (officially took over the reins of office). The ceremony was very brief. Expected to start at 10am, the event eventually kicked off at past mid-day when the outriders zoomed into the arena. Because there were delays inexplicably. Quite unlike the military that we all know for precision of time in all its activities.

The atmosphere at the Nigerian Army headquarters, Abuja was palpably emotional. No friendly banters and backslap among officers and soldiers. Not usual! Not the electrifying ambience greeting the ritual. Nor garlands that festoon the assumption of Command by a chief of army staff. No. The features were not in place this particular day.

Each soldier wore a black band indicative of sobriety. Was anything wrong? Yes. About five days ago the COAS, Maj Gen Ibrahim Attahiru and 10 other top military officers died in a plane disaster while on official assignment to Kaduna. The black band fixed on the left arm of the soldiers therefore is to pay respect to the memories of the officers.

The new army boss is mounting the saddle at a time when the emotional and psychological parts of the army need reactivation, against the backdrop of the fatal accident. He should move into action first, with self-confidence and reassuring carriage to make a statement that his appointment is a call to lead the Nigerian army that needs quick reinvigoration.

Last week I wrote on a title: Need for urgent probe into causes of incessant military fatal crashes. I articulated among others that in doing a transparent investigations as well as making the outcome public in the shortest possible period is the best way to pay shining tributes to the memories of the officers who sacrificed their lives to the service of the nation. And I add, a genuine condolences to the families of the deceased.

By virtue of his privilege position as member of Security Council he must get to the roots causes of military air crashes to avoid future occurrence. Also with the same token ensures that adequate attention is paid to the machines and men overseeing the aircraft to save lives of officers and men.

He must demonstrate a zeal to build on the foundation of transparent leadership. And Cause the army to remain on the concrete principles of professionalism, discipline, patriotism and loyalty to Nigeria.

He must be focused. He must stare clear from politics. The army must not divide under him. He must keep the Nigerian army one.

Indeed, the new Chief of Army Staff is assuming duty at a time there is more work to do.

The onerous task of decimating terrorists must constitute his chief goal. His predecessors did their best in the discharge of their responsibilities. However, given the increasing insecurity which is becoming a new challenge, he should develop a strategy to end insecurity and create a new record. The COAS must maximize the experience of retired Generals and officers in the fight against insurgency. On weaponry, there is urgent need to go for modern and sophisticated weaponry, fighting arms and ammunition.

Another task is the welfare of soldiers. He must be able to pursue it with a genuine zeal. Also, he must be committed to the life of army pensioners. That is life-after-life.

The COAS must improve the Nigerian army from where he met it. He must not allow the image of the Nigerian army to sink further. He must therefore seek to change public perceptions about the army through cultivating a cordial public relationship.

Part of the task include to create space for international best practices in the area of human rights with the objective of reducing human rights violations against civilians by soldiers.

Technology is everything now. The Nigerian army must not lag behind in this sector of its development. For one thing, cyberspace terrorism is a product of technology.

Then, he must come up with his own bustling ideas, strategies and tactics against the festering insecurity-insurgency, banditry and criminality of terror group. He must promote professionalism in the army. The COAS must do the best he could to ensure that the enemy does not secure all points nor have superior strength.

One of the earliest ways to defeat the terrorists include psychology. In the light of this, he needs to focus attention on this side.

Whether there are spies and agents in military uniforms who act as sabs to the success of counter-terrorism operations shouldn’t be debated here. He should know what to do if he wants to leave the army better than he met it. Take a courageous action to erase the feeling of “Bloody Civilian” among the populace.

Finally, he must do a clinical evaluation of the army media briefing template with a view to improving it. One of the recommendations is: Journalists invited to cover your events must not be allowed to leave with anger against the system. The media through the pen is fighting the enemy also, in order that we will have a safe Nigeria. Like soldiers, journalists put their lives at risks as patriotic citizens.

The Nigerian media and army are in the fight against terrorism together.

In look critically into the army media briefing structure, the COAS should advisedly opt for a proactive means to explaining issues from the frontlines timely and consistently. Therefore, he must activate the Department of Army Public Relations (DAPR) for information fast-track and prompt response to fake and hate news rapidly disseminated by the enemy (Terrorists). Stay off those who come with accolades it doesn’t win wars.

Judging from his robust CV, there is no question that General Yahaya is qualified for his new position as COAS. His professional and academic prowess are good evidence that he is prepared for the job.

The fight against insurgency can be won.

•John Nwokocha is Managing Editor, Nations Capital, of New Express.