Azubuike Ihejirika

Azubuike Ihejirika, (born 13 February 1956) is a retired Nigerian Army Lieutenant general and former Chief of Army Staff.

Early life and education Ihejirika was born on 13 February 1956, in Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State, Southeastern Nigeria. He was educated at Williams Memorial High School in Afugiri, a town in Umuahia North, Abia State where he obtained a London General Certificate in 1975, as well as the West African Senior School Certificate Examination with a grade I distinction. Ihejirika holds a BSc (Hons) in Quantity Survey from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and is an alumnus of military institutions such as the Command and Staff College, Jajii and the National War College. He served as COAS for over 3 years until his retirement in January 2014.

Life after military After Ihejirika retired as the Chief of Army Staff in January 2014, he returned to his hometown Isuikwuato where he was honored with a chieftaincy title, "Dike Abia" (in Igbo), the "Warrior of Abia" (in British English).

"I thought they will give me a chieftaincy title but they made me a king. I therefore dedicate this title to my commanders and soldiers who showed strength in the midst of daunting challenges", he said.

Boko Haram sponsorship accusation In August 2014, it was reported that Ihejirika was among the sponsors of the deadly Islamic sect Boko Haram alongside Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, the former Executive Governor of Borno State, Nigeria. The allegation was made by the Australian negotiator Stephen Davis who has been working with the Nigerian Security Agencies in the rescue of the abducted Chibok School Girls. Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, chief of Army Staff, Nigeria and Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Donahue II, U.S. Army Africa commander, take a moment to read the names at the Fallen Warrior memorial in front of the USARAF Headquarters. The State Security Service absolved Ihejirika of claims that he was a major financier of Boko Haram .

Awards Ihejirika has won several awards and honours, among others are; Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR awarded by Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria The Forces Service Star (FSS) awarded by the Nigerian Army Meritorious Service Star (MSS) awarded by the Nigerian Army. Distinguished Service Star (DSS)awarded by the Nigerian Army. Grand Service Star (GSS)awarded by the Nigerian Army. Passed Staff College Dagger (psc(+))awarded by the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji. Fellow National War College (FOC)