In what is a clear departure from the norm, the presidency has ordered all government functionaries to desist from addressing President Goodluck Jonathan as the “Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria” at non-military functions.
The directive is contained in a strongly worded October 14 circular, No SGF/OP/1/S.3/X/664, by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Pius Anyim.
The memo, obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, Thursday, was addressed to the Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, ministers, heads of ministries, departments, agencies and parastatals, the leadership of the National Assembly, and government-owned companies.
“It is further directed that except in purely armed forces programmes, Mr. President should not be addressed as the “Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement warned.
“The approved designation of the President for the purposes of all official correspondence, public announcements or Communication should be “The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I am to stress that for all official purposes, Mr. President should be addressed as follows: ‘His Excellency, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Mr. Anyim added, urging strict compliance to the presidential directive by all Nigerians.
This new directive contradicts the norm among public office holders in Nigeria who like their titles, official and otherwise, emphasized at public events. It however, does not remove the fact that the president, by virtue of the constitution, is the commander of the Nigerian armed forces.
Section 130 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) states: “There shall be for the Federation a President. The President shall be the Head of State, the Chief Executive of the Federation and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation.”
Also, Section 218(1) of the constitution spells out the powers of the President as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation to include the power to determine the operational use of the armed forces of the Federation.
The memo did not state the reason for Mr. Jonathan’s decision. But former Nigerian leaders, both military and civilian, have always been called by that title both in military and non-military programmes.
Only official portrait
The directive also warned against the use of Mr. Jonathan’s unofficial pictures at programmes of events, invitation cards, or publications by Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, as well as other government organizations.
The circular directed that, henceforth, only the official portrait of the President should be printed in official documents or displayed in offices across the country.
Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation
The Presidency,
Shehu Shagari Complex,
Three Arms Zone,
Abuja.
14th October, 2013
Chief of Staff to the President,
Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice-President,
Honourable Ministers/Ministers of State,
Head of the Civil Service of the Federation,
Special Advisers/Senior Special Assistants,
Service Chiefs/Inspector-General of Police,
Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission,
Chairman, Code of Conduct Tribunal,
Chairman, Federal Character Commission,
Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission,
Chairman, National Population Commission,
Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission,
Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria,
Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency,
Chairman, National Assembly Service Commission,
Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments,
Clerk of the National Assembly,
Chief Registrar, Supreme Court of Nigeria,
Secretary, National Judicial Council,
Auditor-General for the Federation,
Accountant-General of the Federation,
Directors-General/Chief Executives of Parastatals, Agencies and Government-Owned Companies.
USE OF OFFICIAL PORTRAIT AND APPROPRIATE DESIGNATION OF THE PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
It has come to the attention of Mr. President that several Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as other Organisations often use his unofficial pictures in programmes of events, invitation cards or publications. Mr. President has, therefore, directed that, henceforth only his official portrait should be printed in official documents or displayed in offices.
2. It is further directed that except in purely armed forces programmes, Mr. President should not be addressed as the “Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” The approved designation of the President for the purposes of all official correspondence, public announcements or
Communication should be “The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” I am to stress that for all official purposes, Mr. President should be addressed as follows:
Anyim Pius Anyim, GCON
Secretary to the Government of the Federation
Culled From Premium Times
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everydayThe directive is contained in a strongly worded October 14 circular, No SGF/OP/1/S.3/X/664, by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Pius Anyim.
The memo, obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, Thursday, was addressed to the Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, ministers, heads of ministries, departments, agencies and parastatals, the leadership of the National Assembly, and government-owned companies.
“It is further directed that except in purely armed forces programmes, Mr. President should not be addressed as the “Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement warned.
“The approved designation of the President for the purposes of all official correspondence, public announcements or Communication should be “The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I am to stress that for all official purposes, Mr. President should be addressed as follows: ‘His Excellency, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Mr. Anyim added, urging strict compliance to the presidential directive by all Nigerians.
This new directive contradicts the norm among public office holders in Nigeria who like their titles, official and otherwise, emphasized at public events. It however, does not remove the fact that the president, by virtue of the constitution, is the commander of the Nigerian armed forces.
Section 130 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) states: “There shall be for the Federation a President. The President shall be the Head of State, the Chief Executive of the Federation and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation.”
Also, Section 218(1) of the constitution spells out the powers of the President as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation to include the power to determine the operational use of the armed forces of the Federation.
The memo did not state the reason for Mr. Jonathan’s decision. But former Nigerian leaders, both military and civilian, have always been called by that title both in military and non-military programmes.
Only official portrait
The directive also warned against the use of Mr. Jonathan’s unofficial pictures at programmes of events, invitation cards, or publications by Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, as well as other government organizations.
The circular directed that, henceforth, only the official portrait of the President should be printed in official documents or displayed in offices across the country.
READ CIRCULAR BELOW
Ref. No. SGF/OP/1/S.3/X/664Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation
The Presidency,
Shehu Shagari Complex,
Three Arms Zone,
Abuja.
14th October, 2013
Chief of Staff to the President,
Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice-President,
Honourable Ministers/Ministers of State,
Head of the Civil Service of the Federation,
Special Advisers/Senior Special Assistants,
Service Chiefs/Inspector-General of Police,
Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission,
Chairman, Code of Conduct Tribunal,
Chairman, Federal Character Commission,
Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission,
Chairman, National Population Commission,
Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission,
Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria,
Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency,
Chairman, National Assembly Service Commission,
Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments,
Clerk of the National Assembly,
Chief Registrar, Supreme Court of Nigeria,
Secretary, National Judicial Council,
Auditor-General for the Federation,
Accountant-General of the Federation,
Directors-General/Chief Executives of Parastatals, Agencies and Government-Owned Companies.
USE OF OFFICIAL PORTRAIT AND APPROPRIATE DESIGNATION OF THE PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
It has come to the attention of Mr. President that several Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as other Organisations often use his unofficial pictures in programmes of events, invitation cards or publications. Mr. President has, therefore, directed that, henceforth only his official portrait should be printed in official documents or displayed in offices.
2. It is further directed that except in purely armed forces programmes, Mr. President should not be addressed as the “Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” The approved designation of the President for the purposes of all official correspondence, public announcements or
Communication should be “The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” I am to stress that for all official purposes, Mr. President should be addressed as follows:
“His Excellency, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR,3. You are accordingly required to bring the foregoing directives of the President to the attention of all concerned for strict compliance, please.
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”
Anyim Pius Anyim, GCON
Secretary to the Government of the Federation
Culled From Premium Times
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
Funny Leaders who major on the minor and minor on the major. We don't need change of normenclature but change of attitude
ReplyDeleteMr Ayim you are either confused or the directive given to you is not clear to you. Hear this: The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, GCFR.......What is GCFR again I thought you were asked to remove it except in military fuctions. Did you understand the directive at all?
ReplyDeleteThis man no know wetin he dey do again o. Out of all the problems this country dey pass thru. Na commander in chief of armed forces be him priority.
ReplyDeleteHow does this translate to good governance, security, good infrastructure, electricity, food for the common man improved healthcare system, good education et cetera? Is this not misplacement of priority especially in the midst of incessant problems bedevelling the nation?
ReplyDeleteRubbish, does it solve any problem, will it make any difference, will it syop them from stealing???? Just shadow chasing
ReplyDeleteHW DOES DS GV NIGERIANS FOODS ON D TABLES.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the essence of this directive?
ReplyDeleteDoes his role change at various times?
Our leaders should please focus on essentials and shun frivolities
U people should leave this man alone....he is a human being like us nobody is higher learn....GEJ david i praya we the way u people is frustrating this man God we not gove you SAUL in this country
ReplyDeleteThank u, I agree with u totally. People who failed to be or president or failed to get their man to be President swore to make Nigeria ungovernable. We foolishly follow them in words and action. Whatever a man sows, he reaps. God bless and help GEJ to contribute his quota in spite of all odds. Nigeria go survive! Long live Nigeria! Arise Giant of Africa and take ur place among d nations of d world in Jesus name AMEN.
DeleteU people should leave this man alone....he is a human being like us nobody is higher learn....GEJ is david we the way u people is frustrating this man i pray God we not you SAUL in this country
ReplyDeleteHow can somebody sworn in as commander in chief say he is only a commander sometimes and you want us to start clapping our hands? Is that a sign of humility?
DeleteMy brother, we do not hate him but some things dey make person vex
Put rope for goat neck or put goat for rope neck na d same thing. There's no sense at all in that. Insecurity, electricity, portable water, good roads etc are what should be paramount to him and not GCFR or not GCFR. Nonsense!
DeleteThis has no meaning as far as am concern & if u r try dodge away from security challenges you then declare your seat vacant
ReplyDeleteThis is not important to the people of Nigeria now,the president should understand. Asuu on strike for 4 months now, Labour unions are threatening to join the strike in solidarity with Asuu. Boko operating killing innocent people everyday, Nigerian Airways are no longer save yet the President is talking about issue that is in no way significant to people. Let him pocket personal ego and do the jobs he was called upon to do.
ReplyDeleteJona Baba,
ReplyDeleteYou are GCFR indeed.
Grand
Confusionist of the
Federal
Republic
Why won't people insult you?
BabaPupa!!!
Truely he is a GCFR....mispl
DeleteNo. I disagree with u on this. GEJ is Saul it is a David we shld desire and pray for.
ReplyDeleteThis amount to change of clothing, from agbada to jeans trouser and shirt
ReplyDeleteYour incapable president jonathan is officially telling Nigerians that he is not in charge and can not guarantee you security and safety of ur lives. That why he insisted he should be called commander-in-chief of armed forces. So he should better step down and give room to vote a commander-in-chief of armed forces that is lion hearted not jst a figure head president who is chicken hearted and can not control the affairs of the state!
ReplyDeleteYou people should leave this man alone he is a human being like us nobody is higher learn......GEJ is DAVID to nigeria but with the way you people is frustrating this man....i pray God we not give you president like SAUL
ReplyDelete@ yeniyi Olatokun GCFR means Grand Commander Federal Republic and not Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces.plz take note
ReplyDeleteMr President, y are shying away frm ur constitutional responsibility? Yet u still want our mandate come 2015.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing wrong in this directive. The man is trying fix the country that was in a mess before he assumed office. The ASUU strike that has become an instrument in the hands of frustrated politician to rubbish the president was an inherited problem and he is trying his best to fix it. Bokoharam only came up when GEJ was became a president of the nation which means that its a political motivated security problem created by the northerners. Let us support this man to succeed that is what he needs and not aspersion and innuendoes
ReplyDeleteTHE HOOD DOES NOT MAKE.THE MONK! TITLES ONLY DOES NOT MAKE A GOOD LEADER. ASK THE LATE IDI AMIN OF UGANDA OR MOBUTU OF ZAIRE. EVEN IF WE SIMPLY CALL HIM EBELE THAT HIS LATE FATHER NAMED HIM AND USED HIS "SHOELESS" PHOTOS ON OFFICIAL CARDS ETC, IT WOULD STILL TAKE NOTHIN AWAY FROM HIM WERE HE A STRONG AND FOCUSED LEADER WITH BALLS TO TACKLE HEADLONG THE NATION'S CHALLENGES. UNFORTUNATELY, WE HAVE A WEAKLING PRETENDING TO BE HUMBLE, WHAT A TRAGEDY!
ReplyDeleteJonathan should relinquish his GCFR title: if he is not Commander-in-Chief, how can he be the Grand Commander? Is this a sign that Jonathan is getting tired of his responsibility? His manifest weakness finally showing its pathetic head out for all to see? Indeed he is no Commander, otherwise Boko Haram would not have grown to terrorist proportions within a short span of time.
ReplyDeleteLeave dis man alone and look for those that said Nigeria will be ungovernable. He is trying is best. Let him be please and face ur family matters or do ur quater.
ReplyDelete@ Anonymous 1:16 pm, you talk pointlessly though, I am sorry but short of more polite adjective to qualify you.
ReplyDeleteYou said GEJ met rubbish and he is trying to fix it.
Belief me this is unacceptable, every Nigerian understands that the country was bad before GEJ came on board. The aim of bequeathing the responsibilities of this country on him was to fix it but not to be complaining besides, now without a doubt we all know he can’t fix it.
How many years do we expect him to do the job? I guess 100 years.
He was a vice president for two years, he was made a President for a period of 2-year now another 4-year is given to him and you are still complaining on his behalf that he is fixing it, meaning we should allow him to be there for 20 years then we get nothing at the end of the day.
It is evidently clear to every right thinking Nigerian that GEJ is unfit to be there and no need to be disturbing him but to allow him to step aside and look for another competent person that will move Nigeria forward.
To u nigeriaeye, i thought u pple regulate comments. Pls read b4 u publish to check d rate of insult thanks.
ReplyDeleteI see many foolish talks from foolish people here again!
ReplyDeleteyou people are just commenting without thinking?
Do you people think the president does not have his reasons for his circular?
if you comment further on this then you must be the greatest fool from Adam.
@ANONYMOUS 9.50AM...I AGREE WITH YOU. DONT MIND THE FOOLISH GOATS THAT WANT TO START RANTING STUPIDLY LIKE FEMI FANI KAYODE.
ReplyDelete