President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday explained why the mantle of leadership of the Nigerian Army fell on Farouk Yahaya.
His previous involement in the fight against Boko Haram, Buhari said was responsible for the choice of the new Chief of Army Staff.
Mr Yahaya was recently appointed Chief of Army Staff following the death of Ibrahim Attahiru, the former army chief, in a plane crash.
NewsSpecng gathered how Mr Buhari bypassed at least 29 senior officers to Mr Yahaya in appointing the army chief. The senior officers are to be forced out of the army.
In an interview with Arise TV, aired on Thursday, and monitored by our correspondent, Mr Buhari said Mr Yahaya was appointed because he was then heading Nigeria’s war against Boko Haram in the North-east and had the support and understanding of the troops.