Okodili Ndidi, Abuja
PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari on Monday hailed the Army for restoring law and order across the country.
He warned that any act of hooliganism concealed beneath any protest would be dealt with decisively to ensure peace and stability in the country.
President Buhari spoke on Monday in Abuja while virtually declaring open the Chief of Army Staff’s Annual Conference 2020 with the theme: Human Capacity Development in Sustaining Professionalism and Responsiveness of Nigerian Army in the Discharge of its Constitutional Roles.
The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to the rights of Nigerians to embark on peaceful protests in responsible manner and in accordance with the laws of the land.
President Buhari described Year 2020 as a challenging one, citing the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and its negative impact on almost every aspect of the nation’s life.
He said: “Despite this, I am pleased to note that the Army remained resolute in the discharge of its constitutional roles and in keeping the wealth and welfare of our soldiers a priority.
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“The Army’s support for civil authorities in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic is a case in point.
“Also, the peaceful elections conducted in Edo and Ondo states would not have been achieved without the high level of professionalism displayed by all security agencies, including the Army.”
The President praised the Army for its unwavering commitment towards curtailing the activities of insurgents, armed bandits, kidnappers, cattle rustlers and other violent criminals through ongoing exercises and operations in different parts of the country.
He noted that the Exercise Sahel Sanity launched a few months ago in the Northwest states to rid the Katsina-Zamfara corridor of marauding bandits had recorded commendable progress.
“I have also been briefed about the tremendous successes that have been achieved by troops during the ongoing Operation Fireball in the Northeast.
“I charge you all to sustain these efforts until the full restoration of peace and security in the nation is achieved.”
President Buhari paid tribute to men and women in uniform who have paid the supreme sacrifice in the defence of the nation.
“As we pray for the repose of their souls, we must strengthen our collective resolve to address those issues that will make every part of our country a safe and secure place to live and carry out our normal business,” he said.
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