Tinubu charges military on non-partisanship, pledges more support
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged the Armed Forces of Nigeria to remain non-partisan, but vigilant in upholding democratic principles.
Tinubu made the call yesterday when he visited Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State to commission electric buses procured by the State government as part of measures to cushion the effects of fuel Subsidy removal.
He promised to provide the necessary support for the military to keep the troublers of the nation at bay.
The President declared that he will win the battle to keep Nigeria safe.
President Tinubu, who acknowledged the Army’s commitment to national security, emphasized their role as a guardian of constitutional order during elections.
He said: “The professional conduct of the Armed Forces during the elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states underscores your role as a guardian of our constitutional order and democracy precepts. In this regard, the Nigerian Army must remain completely non-partisan, but vigilantly pro-democracy.
“We also note with great satisfaction the many civilian-military projects across the country, some of which will be commissioned 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 of his resolve to upgrade national defence capability, President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to advancing the modernization of the military, with a focus on improving mobility, communications, and offensive striking capabilities.
The President expressing the nation’s gratitude for the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces, recalling his earlier approval of N18 billion in Group Life Assurance benefits for families of fallen heroes.
He also pledged government support for the welfare of serving personnel and their families.
The Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, said the President’s new approach to empowering the force and enhancing intra-military collaboration has boosted the morale of the Armed Forces.
He said: “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.
Badaru pledged to sustain his support for the military in the provision of infrastructure, assuring that the administration will invest in their operational capabilities.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, said the ongoing military operations in different parts of the country had significantly weakened criminal elements and checkmated farmer-herders crises in various parts of the country.
He said: ”Notwithstanding these achievements, we know 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.”
By PRNigeria
