Nigerian Military Service Chiefs Handing Over Ceremonies [Photos]

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on Thursday the 16th of  January 2014 replaced the nation’s military high command.

The former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh took over from Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim as Chief of Defence Staff, while Major-General Kenneth Minimah replaced Lt.-General Azubike Ihejirika as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral Usman O. Jibrin  took over from Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba as new Chief of Naval Staff.

Also, Air Vice Marshal Adesola Nunayon Amosu took the baton from Air Marshal Badeh as Chief of Air Staff.

See pictures of the various military handing over ceremonies which took place on Monday below:

Rear Admiral Usman O. Jibrin , Nigeria's newly appointed chief of Naval staff

Air Marshal Alex S. Badeh, Nigeria's newly appointed chief of defense staff

Lieutenant-General Ihejirika decorates the new Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Minimah

New Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Jibrin, receives a periscope from the outgoing Vice Admiral Ezeoba

Meanwhile President Jonathan has briefed the leadership of the National Assembly on the appointment of the new service chiefs and with the provisions of the law has requested the National Assembly to formally confirm the appointments when it reconvenes.

Though many have said the President, acting alone in the appointment of New Service Chiefs is illegal and unconstitutional under the relevant provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended and the provisions of the Armed Forces Act.

Photos credit: AFOLABI SOTUNDE/Newscom/RTR & Olamikan Gbemiga/Associated Press