The Cross River State Government has congratulated the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Emmanuel Undiandeye, on his promotion to the rank of Lieutenant General, describing the feat as a historic milestone for the state and a testament to excellence, dedication, and selfless service to the nation.
Governor Bassey Edet Otu, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, made this known during a thanksgiving service held on Saturday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bedia, in Obudu Local Government Area, to celebrate the senior military officer’s elevation.
According to the Deputy Governor, the event was an opportunity for the state to honour one of its illustrious sons whose distinguished military career has brought pride and recognition to Cross River State.
“We are here to celebrate excellence and a man whose journey in the Nigerian Army has been long, remarkable, and inspiring. This is the first time in the history of our state that one of our own has attained the rank of Lieutenant General in the Nigerian Army, and we are truly proud of him,” Odey said.
He commended Lt. Gen. Undiandeye for his unwavering commitment and dedication to the Nigerian Armed Forces, praying for God’s continued protection, wisdom, and guidance as he serves the nation at the highest level.
“As a state, we will continue to support him and remember him in our prayers. The same God who protected him from the Nigerian Defence Academy to his present position will continue to guide and preserve him,” the Deputy Governor added.
Addressing the nation’s security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency, Rt. Hon. Odey prayed that God would grant the Chief of Defence Intelligence the strength, insight, and resources required to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in confronting the threats effectively.
He also underscored the importance of peace, unity, and responsible leadership, stressing that politics must never be a justification for violence.
“I have always preached peaceful coexistence. I would rather quit politics than promote violence. Leadership is an opportunity to serve the people, not to harm them,” he stated, adding that true leadership demands resilience in difficult times, humility in moments of success, and constant reverence for God.
In his thanksgiving remarks, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye offered an emotional testimony of God’s faithfulness throughout his military career, noting that every act of gratitude at the altar had been followed by divine elevation.
“When I thought I had reached my ceiling as a Major General, God proved me wrong,” he said. “Last year, my course mates and I were preparing for retirement, but instead of retirement, God said, ‘You have not yet reached where I want you to be.’ He not only retained me in service but elevated me to the rank of Lieutenant General.”
The Chief of Defence Intelligence expressed profound gratitude to God for His grace, protection, and unending faithfulness, describing the promotion as both humbling and a renewed call to greater service, all to the glory of God.
Earlier, the Wife of the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Mrs. Jane Ekor Undiandeye, delivered a vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to all who joined the family to celebrate the milestone and for their support and goodwill.
