President Bola Tinubu vows to not lose battle to keep Nigeria secure on Monday in Abuja, stating, “I won’t lose battle to keep Nigeria secure.“
According to the President, he will keep up his hard work and provide the military with the needed resources to keep the country’s troublemakers at bay.
Speaking at the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2023 in Maiduguri, Borno State, President Tinubu declared he would win the fight to keep Nigeria safe and that he has no intention of giving up or resting on his laurels in terms of securing the country.
Also see: Enugu govt vows to make state business hub
The President emphasized the Nigerian Army’s duty as a defender of constitutional order during elections and requested the military to maintain its impartiality while being watchful of democratic values. The President also appreciated the army’s dedication to national security.
I won’t lose battle to keep Nigeria secure
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu was quoted as saying, “The professional conduct of the Armed Forces during the elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi States underscores your role as a guardian of our constitutional order and democracy precepts. In this regard, the Nigerian Army must remain completely non-partisan but vigilantly pro-democracy.
“We also note with great satisfaction the many civilian-military projects across the country, some of which will be commissioned during this Conference.
“These projects not only bring the military and civilian population into closer affinity and mutual understanding, they also serve the practical purpose of tangibly improving the living conditions of the people.”
Also see: 27 Rivers lawmakers dump PDP for APC
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 defense 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 Defense Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has significantly raised military morale.
“Mr. President, you are a man of your word. Your Renewed Hope agenda assured Nigerians of progress in the fight against insecurity. The men of the armed forces are more committed than ever before. They see the progress they recording. They know the damage they are inflicting on our enemies. They have high morale. Our enemies do not because of your leadership. Thank you, Mr. President,” the Minister stated.
While recognizing 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 ongoing military operations around the nation had considerably reduced the power of criminal elements while also containing farmer-herder crises in different regions.
“Notwithstanding these achievements, we recognize the importance of continuous evaluation and this conference will be instrumental in formulating long-term strategies to bolster our ability to carry out our constitutional responsibility in the year 2024,” the Army Chief said.
