President Bola Tinubu emphasized the imperative for the Army to maintain a non-partisan stance while fervently upholding pro-democracy values in its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Addressing the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2023 in Maiduguri, Borno State, Tinubu pledged unwavering support to empower the military in deterring threats to the nation.
In a noteworthy development, Tinubu’s advocacy for a non-partisan military coincided with his condemnation, just 24 hours earlier, of unconstitutional changes of government in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
This stance was conveyed during the 64th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of the Economic Community of West African States held in Abuja.
Undeterred in his commitment to Nigeria’s security, President Tinubu asserted that he will persist in the battle to keep the nation safe.
His determination was articulated through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngalale, in a statement titled ‘President Tinubu: The battle to keep Nigeria secure is one I will not lose,’ released on Monday.
Highlighting the Armed Forces’ commendable conduct during elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states, the President urged the Army to uphold non-partisan vigilance in safeguarding democratic principles. Tinubu underscored their pivotal role as custodians of constitutional order, especially during electoral processes.
He said, “We also note with great satisfaction the many civilian-military projects across the country, some of which will be inaugurated during this conference. These projects not only bring the military and civilian population into closer affinity and mutual understanding, they also serve the practical purpose of tangibly improving the living conditions of the people.”
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Citing the recent procurement of new aircraft as a testament to his resolve to upgrade national defence capability, Tinubu affirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing the ongoing modernisation process within the military, focusing on improving mobility, communications, and offensive striking capabilities.
While expressing the nation’s gratitude for the service and sacrifice of the armed forces, the President recalled his earlier approval of N18bn in Group Life Assurance benefits for families of fallen heroes, even as he pledged continuous government commitment to the welfare of serving personnel and their families.
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, said Tinubu’s new approach to empowering the force and enhancing intra-military collaboration had led to a substantial increase in the morale of the armed forces.
“Mr. President, you are a man of your word. Your Renewed Hope Agenda assured Nigerians of progress in the fight against insecurity. The men of the armed forces are more committed than ever before. They see the progress they are recording.
They know the damage they are inflicting on our enemies. They have high morale. Our enemies do not because of your leadership. Thank you, Mr. President,” the Minister stated.
On his part, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, informed the President that ongoing military operations in different parts of the country had significantly weakened criminal elements while checkmating farmer-herders crises in various parts of the country.
The Army Chief said, “Notwithstanding these achievements, we recognise the importance of continuous evaluation and this conference will be instrumental in formulating long-term strategies to bolster our ability to carry out our constitutional responsibility in the year 2024.”
