President Bola Tinubu has vowed that he won’t lose the battle to keep Nigeria secure, adding that he will provide the military with the necessary support to keep the troublers of the nation at bay.
The President spoke on Monday at the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2023 in Maiduguri, Borno State.
According to a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the President says he has no intention of relenting or resting on his laurels in securing Nigeria, declaring that he will win the battle to keep Nigeria safe.
Tinubu, who acknowledged the Nigerian Army’s commitment to national security, urged the army to remain non-partisan but vigilant in upholding democratic principles, emphasizing their role as a guardian of constitutional order during elections.
“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,” the President said.
Citing the recent procurement of new aircraft as a testament of his resolve to upgrade national defence capability, President Tinubu also affirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing the ongoing modernization process within the military, with a focus on improving mobility, communications, and offensive striking capabilities.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, informed the President that ongoing military operations in different parts of the country have significantly weakened criminal elements, while checkmating farmer-herders crises in various parts of the country.
He added that notwithstanding these achievements, we recognize 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.
