The Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, has said that the military will continue to support and sustain Nigeria’s democracy.
Irabor said this on the heels of military takeover in some African countries. countries.
Speaking during a television programme, in Lagos on Friday, the CDS restated the military’s commitment to democratic rule in the country, insisting that democracy has come to stay in the country.
“Today, I believe that Nigerians are no longer in doubt as to the subordination of the military to civil rule; I believe that no one is in doubt that democracy has come to stay,” he said.
“I believe that no one is in doubt any longer that the current military leadership, and of course, since the democratisation in 1999, that the military is well focused to perform its constitutional roles.”
He said the misperceptions in certain quarters by some Nigerians concerning the military will begin to change.
“I am sure you also know that issues that have to do with civic responsibilities still require a little push; I am sure you know that literacy level in the nation still requires a little push; and so when you bring these factors among several other things, you know that quite a lot of work needs to be done,” adding that
“going forward, I believe that some of these misperceptions that some Nigerians have had with respect to military engagement will begin to change.”
Why Nigerians should not wear military camouflage
He also advised Nigerians to shun the use of camouflage for now, while clarifying that it is not against the law for civilians to wear military gear.
Irabor, while answering a question about the crackdown on the use of military gear by civilians, said the present security situation does not allow the use of military gear by people who are not personnel of the DHQ.
“The criminals among us have had to take advantage of the military, police, and other security agencies’ gear to perpetrate crime,” said General Irabor.
“We live in a peculiar society – I do not need to restate what the make-up of our society is, what the level of discipline is generally.
“And when you compare it (Nigerian structure) to some places where a few individuals believe that whatever practice goes on in those societies should be replicated here, the other elements of social life in those societies; they do not bring that to bear right here.”
For good causes
He further stated that the activities of criminals who wear military gear to perpetrate evil acts prompted the armed forces to crack down on their usage.
He stressed that the military has no problem with non-personnel wearing its gear, but such must be done with good intention as the safety of the people would be its priority.
Irabor gave an assurance that the DHQ would continue to take appropriate actions to ensure that Nigerians do not see the military in a bad light when they wear its gear.
“Ordinarily, we will be glad to see that our symbol (gears) is being used for good causes.
“A good number of those who use them have used them for ignoble causes and so, that brings us to a state where you begin to make certain assumptions.
“So, it is better for you to be safe first, and then by virtue of your investigations, you can exonerate those who are using them for good causes. This is where we are.”