The North-East Elders for Restoration and Development have issued a warning against hurtful remarks made by some people who attempt to negatively depict the Nigerian military.
The elders recounted statements ascribed to some persons who charged the Nigerian Armed Forces leadership with involvement in the recent deaths of several Tudun Biri, Kaduna State, inhabitants.
Following the incident, according to OBASANJONEWS24 reports, several people and organisations claimed that there was an undertone of ethnoreligion.
Dismissing such suggestions, however, the North-East Elders for Restoration and Development stated in a statement on Sunday that it is regrettable that the military, which has selflessly defended the nation’s peace and stability, is being blackmailed by ethno-religious feelings.
The elders, represented by their President Buba Tanko and Secretary Ibrahim Bello, called on those who may have been unaware of the history of the current military leadership, particularly that of Gen. Chris Musa, the Chief of Defence.
“It is regrettable that some of our people are being used for personal gain to inflame tensions in the North.
“For instance, Gen. Chris Musa, the current Chief of Staff, oversaw Operation Hadin Kai as the Theatre Commander. His time in the Northeast is sufficient to guarantee that the Nigerian Armed Forces, under his command, will not retreat to assault those they are defending.
“Gen. Musa made sure that not only was peace restored but that people, regardless of race or religion, started going back to their various places of employment throughout his tenure in the Northeast.
We shouldn’t let ethnoreligious feelings deceive us at a time when the nation is facing serious economic and security difficulties. Anyone making these accusations at this time is not a lover of Nigeria.
The Armed Forces have been hailed by the elders for their actions, particularly in the Northeast.
The group declared, “We implore people in our area to support our military as they work towards complete peace in the North-East and the nation as a whole.”
