The situation has led to intense scrambling and lobbying of politicians and top retired generals by those who earnestly want to succeed Lt Gen. Lagbaja.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Lagbaja June 2023 as the 27th Chief of Army Staff. Lagbaja was born February 28th, 1968 in Ilobu, Osun State.
He took oath of office June 23, 2023 succeeding Faruk Yahaya as the Chief of Army Staff. By Organogram, the Chief of Army Staff reports to the Chief of Defence Staff, who in turn reports to the Defence Minister accountable to the Nigeria's president.
Due to Lagbaja's health challenge which sparks concerns, the struggle to succeed him is becoming intensed with top military officers vying for the position.
Recall that Lt Gen. Lagbaja was flown abroad by his family members for his medicares. Sources who confided to Throwback Times, described his illness as "Strange".
"The COAS is a leader and most of the Majors Generals are now wayward because they have no one to report to currently. Anybody can fall sick but someone needs to be incharge. I wish him a very quick recovery, I have known him since our days in Makurdi, Benue State. We were both young officers then and he was a captain". A Major said.
According to multiple sources, the Chief of Staff is now bedridden and incapacitated due to his deteriorating health condition. The source further said that "He is on sick bed; he can't hear what people are saying again, just like someone with hearing problems. We are praying for his health restoration".
Earlier, Army spokesperson, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu said that Lagbaja was on leave and entitled to it after working "so hard for the country". It is not wrong for Lagbaja to travel out when he is on leave, also it is not abnormal for someone to go for medical checkup. We mustn't be sick before going for medical checkup.
We need to understand some things; for the past seven years, I haven’t gone on leave. It’s a call to national duty. People need to understand the sacrifices soldiers are making.
“There was a point that I came to my home and my children didn’t even know me."
“I don’t think it’s out of place for myself or any other person, even if it’s a top brass in the army to travel out or in any of the services to travel out for rest or do a medical checkup or something. I don’t think there should be any fuss about that,” the army spokesperson had added.
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