Maroc - SPYETV.COM.NG - A La Une - 27/Aug 16:31

'Thanks, but No Thanks' Nigerian Army Will Not Allow Military Rule" — COAS

 By Olayemi EsanThe Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, has affirmed that the Nigerian Army will resist all calls for undemocratic intervention in governance by the Armed Forces of Nigeria, saying  "Thanks But No Thanks" the Nigerian Army will not allow its selve to be use to undemocratically sail some interests to power and not poised to lose the new prestige it has painstakingly built in the past 25 years.General Lagbaja this during his opening remarks at the opening ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff combined second and third quarters conference 2024, on Tuesday, 27th August 2024 held at Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs Hall, Uyo.General Lagbaja while reacting to pertinent issue that came up during the recent August 1–10 End Bad Governance Protest said the call was coming from young Nigerians who never experienced the Nigeria extensive military rule and the converted struggles by heroes and heroines of the current democratic dispensation to get the nation on its current part. “As the Service that received the most image bashing as a fallout of previous military interventions in Nigeria, the Nigerian Army remains secure, and united. The Nigerian Army remains resolute in sustaining the ongoing efforts to ensure maximum revenue accrues to the Federal Government for the benefit of the generality of Nigerians”. The COAS stated.He noted that since the Nigerian Army’s senior hierarchy last met in April for the First Quarter Conference, the country has witnessed a new set of security challenges.“Aside from the known threats of terrorism, insurgency, banditry, illegal mining, and farmer/herder crises, the recent protests in the Country, which were primarily driven by discontent over economic issues and government policies, resulted in significant unrest and, in some cases, violence.“This situation reminded us that, as an Armed Force, we must not only focus on physical security and defence of the nation but that food and social security issues can snowball into physical security challenges.“The protest that was held between 1 and 10 August this year was largely driven by provocative and inciting social media traffic. Although it was professionally managed by the Nigeria Police Force supported by the military and other security agencies. The challenge that it posed is a pointer to the fact that the military must always remain professional.“It is. obvious that some of the protest organisers hold contrary opinions from the government on how the security forces managed the situation. However, I believe it was carefully handled, and I commend our commanders and troops for conducting themselves in the most professional manner as they worked with the Nigeria Police and civil authorities to effectively control the situation.”. He continued.Lt. Lagbaja, however, expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives and the destruction of public facilities, as well as looting witnessed in some states.He mentioned that investigations are instituted into the actions of both the protesters and security forces, even as he condoles with the families and loved ones of those who tragically lost their lives during the protests.He stressed that as a creation of the Nigerian Constitution, the Nigerian Army recognises citizens’ right to air their grievances but believes such should only occur within the confines of the law.“Evidently, the situation that led to the protest seems to have settled, but the Nigerian Army understands that the issue of food security will remain on the front burner of our national security policy and discussions for a while.“As a way of strengthening its soft power approach to resolving Nigeria’s food security challenge, the Nigerian Army will, in the coming days, review its agricultural policy to better position the Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited to significantly boost crop production so that the Army can release grains into the market at highly subsidised rates in support of government efforts.“Furthermore, the Army Headquarters is reviewing some proposals for partnerships with ministries, departments, and agencies of government and reputable private organisations on how best to collaborate to resolve the food crisis in the country.“Relatedly, Nigerian Army troops currently provide security cover for farmers in critical farming communities in the North East, North West, and North Central zones. This is with a view to preventing the devastating consequences of a pause or stop in food production in those regions on the entire country’s food supply chain.”. Lagbaja maintained.He commended the peaceful and hospitable ambience of the state, which, he affirmed, informed the choice of the state for the conference.Lagbaja noted that the conference is usually hosted in Abuja, stressing that when taken outside Abuja, it is always to troubled spots, as a show of force.The Army Chief, however, said the case in Akwa Ibom was different as they were in the state to relax and discuss serious national security concerns.He expressed the appreciation of the Nigerian Army to the government and people of Akwa Ibom State for the infrastructural and logistic support extended to the 2 Brigade headquarters in the state, as well as the warm reception of his team to the state, assuring the continuous commitment of the Army to exert itself in ensuring the security and safety of citizenswww.twitter.com/spyetv