COAS: Sustained Democratic Rule Remains Path of Progress for Nigeria

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja and John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, yesterday declared that sustained democratic rule remained the path of progress for the nation.
He said subordination of the military to constituted authority remained the most fashionable means of promoting military professionalism.
Lagbaja said Nigerians desired flourishing and uninterrupted constitutional democratic governance.

The army chief made the declaration while addressing officer cadets at the passing-out parade and commissioning and oath taking ceremony for Executive Commission Course 1/2023, held at the Major  Bulama Biu Parade Ground, Military Cantonment, Jaji, Kaduna State.
Speaking further, Lagbaja averred that all officers and men of the Nigerian Army must be reminded that “subordination of the military to constituted authority remains the most fashionable means of promoting military professionalism.”

He emphasised that the desire of every Nigerian was a flourishing and uninterrupted constitutional democratic governance that promotes national values and the interest of every well-meaning Nigerian, irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliation.
“I, therefore, charge all Nigerian Army personnel to be proud champions of our flourishing democracy and remain apolitical in discharging their constitutional duties,” he said.

He reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army remained committed to ensuring the security of lives and property across the country, stressing that the army was working assiduously to protect the territorial integrity of the nation and support relevant security agencies in ensuring the security of lives and property within the country.

A statement issued by the Spokesman of Nigerian Army, Brig Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, said the COAS also conferred presidential commission on the passing- out cadets to the rank of lieutenant, after which the oath of allegiance was administered to them at the Lieutenant General Ihejirika Auditorium.

The 239 passing out cadets comprising 12 female and 228 male Cadets were already in service as soldiers and were drawn from various corps of the army before they were selected for executive commissioning, after three months of intensive military training, spanning May 1 to August 1, 2023.
In the passing-out ceremony, three cadets emerged in flying colours among their contemporaries.

Cadet A Saminu came first in order of merit, while Cadet SC Nwokanta came second while Cadet OY Yahaya bagged the third position.
The Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, who supervised the training of the cadets, noted that they have been imbued with requisite skills to function as officers.

He pointed out that the newly commissioned officers were trained to be loyal, courageous and dedicated in their service to the nation.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of parchment of commission to the newly commissioned officers.
The COAS paid an empathy visit to officers and soldiers, who were wounded in action during operational engagements at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna.