FG Praises Army for Professionalism, Obedience to Civil Authority
The federal government yesterday commended the Nigerian Army for remaining a highly professional security agency subordinated to civil control since 1999.
The Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi (rtd), made the commendation yesterday on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari at the grand finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2021 in Abuja.
Magashi also charged the army to remain resolute in tackling security challenges bedevilling the country.
He commended the army for saving the country from disintegration and for demonstrating a high level of professionalism in its operations.
The minister, however, charged the army to evolve new methods of winning the support and confidence of Nigerians.
He said: “I am particularly happy to note that despite the army’s involvement in politics, it has since 1999 remained a highly professional Army, subordinated to democratic civilian control.
“The Nigerian Army, as part of the larger armed forces, has continued to discharge its constitutional roles with great success. It is to the credit of the army that despite the current internal security challenges, the nation’s commitments to regional and international peace and security remain unshaken.”
He also commended what he described as the increasing understanding and cooperation within the military, as well as the inter-agency cooperation in the fight against terrorists and other criminals in the North-east.
According to him, the joint effort has led to the decimation of some terrorists and criminals.
“Government services and private businesses have since resumed in areas hitherto controlled by these terrorists. Therefore, as we celebrate the achievements of the Nigerian Army and all security agencies, we would like to thank all wellmeaning Nigerians for their support and understanding,” he said.
He said the federal government appreciated and commended recent efforts by individuals, community members, traditional leaders and numerous civil society organisations, especially the youths that are cooperating and supporting the security agencies in exposing all agents of destruction and instability in the polity.
Magashi stated that as a responsible government, the federal government is conscious of the challenges being faced by the citizenry and promised that these would soon be resolved.
“You have saved Nigeria from disintegration and have demonstrated a high sense of professionalism in your operations. I want to assure you that this government and indeed the Nigerian people deeply appreciate your noble sacrifices to safeguard our nation,” he said.
He charged the officers and men of the Nigerian Army to be proactive in evolving new strategies, methods and techniques of winning the hearts and minds in the current phase of operations.
The minister also urged them to continue to collaborate and synergise with other security agencies in the country as well as friendly nations facing similar challenges in order to enhance their current efforts.
The minister said throughout the colonial era, the army was used primarily for internal and expeditionary operations.
“In its internal security role, the army served as an instrument of colonial subjugation while in its expeditionary role, it was used in World Wars I and II as part of the allied forces that defeated Nazi Germany. It fought gallantly during the civil war to safeguard the unity of our dear nation and to guarantee our collective peace and security,” he said.
Magashi said the federal government was also aware that the achievements of the Nigerian Army also came with associated costs.
According to him, some soldiers have lost their lives, some have sustained injuries while many others have been away from their families for long periods.
“I once again send my condolences to the families of those who died in an effort to safeguard the sovereignty of our great nation. May their gentle souls rest in peace,” he said.
Magashi urged the Nigerian Army to continue to abide by its ethics and ethos and to keep to its rules of engagement while ensuring that human rights are respected in the conduct of military operations.
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Farouk Yahaya, said: "This day, 6 July, is of great significance in the history of the NA and indeed Nigeria. It was on this date in 1967 that the first shot was fired at Garkem, a border town in present-day Cross River State, in what turned out to be the unfortunate 30-months Nigerian Civil War.”
Yahaya said in view of the significant role the Nigerian Army played in the resolution of the crisis, the date was chosen and set aside not only to preserve its history, but also to project and educate members of the public on the activities of the Army.
“It also affords us the opportunity to showcase our contributions to the socio-economic and political developments of Nigeria,” Yahaya said, noting: “This year’s celebration is low key, due to the unfortunate and sad development that led to the death of my predecessor, the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, and 10 others in a plane mishap on Friday, May 21, 2021 in Kaduna.”
The COAS also used the medium to congratulate the recipients of the COAS commendation awards, reinstating his resolve to continue to promote merit, celebrate gallantry and honour heroes.
He also assured the rank and file of his determination to bring back the glory of Regimental Sergeant Majors as custodians of discipline and regimentation in Nigerian Army formations and units.