According to President Bola Tinubu, he will keep up his hard work and give the military the resources it needs to keep the country’s troublemakers at bay.
The president declared on Monday at the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2023 in Maiduguri, Borno State, that he would win the struggle to protect Nigeria and that he has no intention of backing down or resting on his laurels in doing so.
In addition to applauding the Nigerian Army’s commitment to maintaining national security, President Tinubu stressed the army’s duty as a guardian of constitutional order during elections and encouraged it to maintain its impartiality while keeping a close eye on democratic values.
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“The Armed Forces’ professional behaviour throughout the elections in the states of Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi highlights your responsibility as a defender of our democratic principles and constitutional order. In this sense, the Nigerian Army must continue to be apolitical yet steadfastly democratic.
We are also pleased to see how many civilian-military projects there are in the nation, some of which will be put into service during this conference.
“These projects serve the practical purpose of tangibly improving the living conditions of the people, in addition to fostering closer affinity and mutual understanding between the military and civilian population,” the president stated.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing the ongoing modernization process within the military, with a focus on improving mobility, communications, and offensive striking capabilities. He cited the recent acquisition of new aircraft as evidence of his resolve to upgrade national defence capability.
The president recalled his previous approval of N18 billion in Group Life Assurance benefits for the families of fallen heroes, even as he pledged ongoing government support for the welfare of serving personnel and their families. The president also expressed the nation’s gratitude for the armed forces’ sacrifice and service.
The president’s new strategy for strengthening military cooperation and empowering the army, according to Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru, has significantly raised military morale.
You are a man of your word, Mr. President. Nigerians were promised advancements in the battle against insecurity by your Renewed Hope programme. The military personnel are more dedicated than in the past. They observe the advancement they are documenting. They are aware of the harm they are causing to our adversaries. Their spirits are high. Because of your leadership, our adversaries do not. Mr. President, thank you,” said the minister.
While recognising the unwavering commitment of the Tinubu administration to significant investments to improve the operational capabilities of the military, he promised to continue supporting the Nigerian military in the supply of infrastructure.
Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, told the President that military operations now taking place around the nation had considerably reduced the influence of criminal elements while also containing farmer-herder crises in different regions of the country.
“Despite these successes, we acknowledge the value of ongoing assessment, and this meeting will be crucial in developing long-term plans to support our capacity to fulfil our constitutional obligations in 2024,” the army commander stated.
