Military Reiterates Commitment to Defend Democracy in West Africa

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Nigerian military yesterday reiterated its resolve to continue to defend democracy in Nigeria and West African subregion.

The military also said it was time to end the over 16 years terrorism and insurgency in the country.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, reiterated this commitment during the investiture ceremony of the 35 newly promoted Major Generals of the Nigerian Army, at AHQ Command Officers Mess 1 Asokoro Abuja.

According to him, “Nigeria is looking up to us. We must do everything to defend democracy in Nigeria and across the sub-region. It is a duty and a task for all of us to perform.

“Do not forget your responsibility to protect democratic governance and loyalty to constituted authority as it is non-negotiable.

“We have been dealing with insurgencies, terrorism, banditry for over 16 years and still counting and I think it is high time that we dealt with it finally and I know we can do it.

“So, I want to call on all of us to put on our thinking caps and make that great sacrifice that 2025 should be a determining year for the armed forces of Nigeria.

“Yes we can, working together as a team and calling on all Nigerians to put hands together to support members of the armed forces and other security agencies because we cannot do it alone. We must be partners in progress.”

To the 35 newly promoted major generals, Musa said, “Having reached the peak of your careers, always remember that the Nigerian Army and the armed forces will continue to rely on the leadership and expertise of individuals like you to safeguard our country and its people.”

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, reminded the newly promoted Major Generals that higher rank came with higher responsibilities, adding that to whom much was given, much was correspondingly expected.

He told them to always keep their new status in mind to avoid embarrassing the military establishment and profession and particularly to justify the confidence that has been imposed on them.

In his address of welcome, the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General Jimmy Akpor, said the annual promotion circle for the Nigerian Army officers and soldiers culminated in the elevation of senior officers to the plum rank of Major General.