The military is dedicated to defending the country’s democracy and maintaining a calm environment for the upcoming governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo, according to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa.
Musa made the comment on Tuesday during a working visit to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja by the Minister of State, Dr. Bello Matawalle, and the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru.
He pleaded with all parties involved in the three states to prevent any deaths during the voting process.
He insisted that they work together to ensure that the election runs smoothly, is peaceful, and accurately reflects the wishes of the electorate.
The CDS declared that the military was fully prepared, committed, and ready to carry out the mission of defending and promoting democracy in Nigeria.
“We are aware that there have been a number of difficulties in the subregion where there have been several coups.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria are fully devoted to democracy, we want to assure you everyone, Mr. President.
Musa expressed his gratitude to the ministries and President Bola Tinubu for seeing to it that the military satisfied its operational needs for combat enablers, budget, and personnel welfare.
He claims that the administration has demonstrated tenacity, commitment, and dedication in making sure that the armed forces are adequately supplied, trained, and overseen to protect the nation’s territorial integrity.
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However, he said that the military’s ability to successfully conduct some of its operations was constrained by a lack of funds, particularly in the area of troop housing.
He claims that the military hires over 20,000 new officers and troops each year, all of whom need to be given adequate housing.
Therefore, the CDS requested the ministers to look into it as well, including personnel receiving international training to improve their ability to cope with counterterrorism and counterinsurgencies in the nation.
In response, Badaru, the minister of defence, praised the armed forces for the accomplishments they had made thus far since the current CDS assumed his duties.
He said that they had been successful in battling crooks all around the nation.
He claimed that over 117 terrorists, bandits, and other criminals were defeated by the military during that time and urged it to continue the offensive until the country is free of the threat.
Thanks to the servicemen, oil production has significantly increased, and Badaru predicted that trend would continue.
“The CDS had pledged that they would keep pushing until the nation’s output levels returned to normal.
“We also witnessed impressive improvements in the South East and North East, where freshly reopened facilities that had been closed down in the past.
“I want to thank your leadership because we have one group that is committed, dedicated, and working together,” he added.
The minister also applauded the CDS and service chiefs for regularly visiting troops in operational areas and organising other motivational events to raise morale.
He promised that the Federal Government would keep helping the military achieve its operational needs for equipment, better budget, housing, training, and medical care.
He claims that President Tinubu views the military in the highest regard and that he considers supporting the military to be the best way to address the security issues facing our nation.
I will also remind him of all the points you brought up because he has shown he can do phenomenally well with what he has done thus far. I am confident he will take it up and ensure the success of this battle.
“We promise Nigerians that, compared to what has been observed thus far, significant changes will occur within a year.
Therefore, he added, “Congratulations and keep up the good work. You have our full backing, as well as Mr. President’s support and assurance in all you do and in all your requirements. (NAN)
