Jonathan appoints new service chiefs in Army, Naval and Air Force

President Goodluck Jonathan has approved changes in the high command of the country's military, the presidency said on Thursday in Abuja.

A statement from the Special Adviser to the president on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, said that Air Marshal Alex Badeh is now the Chief of Defence Staff.

Badeh, who is the former Chief of Air Staff, is taking over from Admiral Ola Ibrahim, while Air Vice Marshal Adesola Amosu takes over from Badeh as Chief of Air Staff.

Abati said also that Maj.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah will take over from Lt.-Gen. Azubike Ihejirika as Chief of Army Staff.

He said Rear Admiral Usman Jibrin will take over from Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba as Chief of Naval Staff.

Abati said the president directed that the changes should take immediate effect.

He said the president in making the new appointment exercised the powers conferred on him by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

"The president has briefed the leadership of the National Assembly on the new appointments.