The last may not have been heard over the Mainagate as the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, took on the Head of Service of the Federation, Winifred Oyo-Ita, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The drama took place in the full glare of dignitaries present at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, for the launch of the 2018 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day celebration.
The dignitaries included Senate president, Bukola Saraki, House of Representatives speaker, Yakubu Dogara, the national chairman of the All Progressive Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun, and Service Chiefs.
Although details of the altercation between the two were not immediately known, the curiosity it arose drew the attention of those present.
As the arguments became hotter, with both pointing fingers at each other, the visibly angry HoS got up from her seat and went straight to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who was already seated.
No sooner had Oyo-Ita entered, the Chief of Staff started pointing warning fingers at her, followed by a verbal query on why she leaked the memo she had sent to the President in response to the query issued by President Buhari on the re-engagement of AbdulRasheed Maina.
As the argument progressed, the HoS went to the Vice President to lay complained on the harassment by the Chief of Staff, who invited them.
She was seen later walking out on the two, visibly angry over the treatment.
The HoS was overheard telling the Chief of Staff that “I am a civil servant and I am not a politician.”
But speaking at the event to mark the 2018 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day celebration, President Buhari said it was worthwhile to honour the memory of distinguished veterans who paid the supreme sacrifice to keep the country united, adding that others had spent the best part of their lives in service to keep our nation and the world in peace.
He however warned that Nigerians should avoid a repeat of issues that led to the bitter Nigerian civil war.
“The resolve by our countrymen and women to remain in one indivisible and indissoluble nation, Nigeria is at the centre of this celebration. Indeed, the Remembrance Day Celebration is being marked on the 15th of January instead of 11th of November as in other Commonwealth nations to commemorate the end of the Nigerian civil war – a war that was fought to keep Nigeria one.
“We must therefore cast our minds back at the events that led to the civil war, the immense human capital loss of the tragic war, and resolve that never again shall we allow our dear nation by our actions or inactions to experience another war.
“I want to salute the gallantry, courage and sacrifices of men and women of the Armed Forces as they grapple with diverse and contemporary security challenges plaguing the country.”
He commended the soldiers for their display of unparalleled loyalty to the country and dedication to duty.
“Being one of you, I understand what you have to undergo. This administration will continue to do all within its power and resources to ensure that your welfare is adequately catered for.
“The noble culture of appreciation and respect for veterans and servicemen and women experienced all over the world is very much part of us in Nigeria.
“I therefore look forward to a time when business concerns and service providers in the country would give special recognition and consideration for these distinguished citizens and support the veterans’ cause in any way they can through voluntary donations, employment opportunities and welfare support.
“As a government, we desire to improve the capability of our Armed Forces. I am glad that our efforts are yielding positive results already in boosting the morale of men and women of the Armed Forces.
“We will continue to engage them in training and retraining to improve on their capacity to discharge their constitutional roles.
“As I launch the Emblem today, I call on all Nigerians, the Diaspora and our friends to donate generously to the cause of the Nigerian Legion and families of the Fallen Heroes.
“I implore all to procure and wear the emblem with pride as a way of identifying with those that laid down their lives, the incapacitated and others still who are daily in harm’s way in order to guarantee our peace and security. We will always remember them,” the President said.
