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Tag: Nigerian Armed Forces

  • Senate pledges support for welfare of Nigerian Armed Forces

    Senate pledges support for welfare of Nigerian Armed Forces

    The Senate has pledged to continue to provide support and resources to enhance the capabilities and well-being of members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmad Lawan, gave the assurance when he led a delegation of the Committee on an oversight visit to the Defence Space Administration (DSA), the National Defence College, and the Military Pensions Board (MPB), on Monday.

    The visit, according to Senator Lawan, in a statement by his media aide, Ezrel Tabiowo, in Abuja, was part of the Committee’s mandate to monitor and provide oversight for the activities of the Nigerian Armed Forces and its various agencies.

    At the DSA, the Committee had an interactive session with the leadership. The DSA’s Director-General, Air Vice-Marshal Lanre Oluwatoyin, briefed the Committee on the importance of the agency, its operational capabilities, and its role in enhancing Nigeria’s defense capabilities.

    Members of the Committee commended the leadership of the DSA for their efforts and pledged continued support for the administration.

    At the Defence College, the Commandant, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, received the Committee and provided insights into the College’s training programs, curriculum, and facilities. The Committee expressed satisfaction with the College’s efforts to train and develop officers for leadership roles in the Nigerian Armed Forces.

    On his part, the Chairman of the Military Pensions Board, Air Vice Marshal Paul Ichibor Irumheson, presented the Committee with an overview of the Board’s operations, challenges, and proposed solutions.

    Senator Lawan, in his remarks, emphasized the importance of ensuring timely payment of pensions to retired military personnel and their families.

    Read Also: Senate leader tasks governors on robust investment in healthcare

    The former Senate President expressed confidence in the ability of the Nigerian Armed Forces to protect the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. He commended the leadership of the various agencies for their dedication and professionalism.

    “Your commitment to ensuring the security and stability of our great nation is commendable. The Senate Committee on Defence will continue to provide the necessary support and resources to enhance your capabilities and ensure the well-being of our Armed Forces personnel”, Senator Lawan said.

    The Committee’s oversight visit was well-received by the leadership of the agencies visited. 

    The agencies expressed their appreciation for the Committee’s interest and support and assured the Committee of their commitment to fulfilling their mandates effectively.

  • NAF chief calls for alternative sources of funds for armed forces

    The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has called for alternative sources of funding to enable the armed forces meet training and operational needs.

    Abubakar made the call in Abuja on Monday while speaking to newsmen after budget defence session with the House of Representatives committee on Air Force.

    He said that it was necessary to look beyond the budget by seeking fund through alternative sources.

    “We appreciate the support of the national assembly, but there is need to look beyond the annual budget, the Air Force is a very expensive institution that requires a lot of resources to function.

    “We are working to ensure that we get what is required in terms of platforms, capabilities and manpower so that we can make Nigeria a more secured country,” he said.

    He said it was not possible for any institution to receive what was exactly proposed in the budget, saying, “this is the reason we call for alternative sources of funding”

    Read also: Flogging of suspected bandits unacceptable – NAF

    “I have said that the air force is expensive to maintain, so we cannot depend on the budget alone, ” he said.

    He commended the federal government for the support given to the armed forces, saying that such had aided them to go into power protection of the air access.

    “So this is the reason we have the special forces training that’s going on, very soon, we will have sufficient capacity to be able to support other sister agencies in conducting of limited ground operations,” he said.

    Abubakar said that alternative funding for the air force could be generated through Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements.

    He said that percentage interests from financial institutions and levies on certain charges on mobile phone users are possible avenues to generate funds.

    “You have to be safe first before you can think of enjoying your mobile phone, so whatever a subscriber gives to the mobile phone company can have certain percentage deducted to fund the armed forces.

    “These resources can be pushed to equipment manufacturers and we just get the aircraft, that all we are interested in,” he said.

    Speaking on the use drone technologies to minimize the cost of flying fighter jets, he reiterated the expensive nature of keeping Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the air.

    “They are very expensive, we say they are unmanned, the only difference is that you don’t have anybody inside flying.

    “But you have about 15 people on ground managing just one UAV,  they are very expensive, but we will get there,” he said.

    He said the air force was building capacity of its officers to conduct research and development, because it could not continue to depend on others. (NAN)

  • Buhari condemns Zamfara killings

    President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the killing of innocent Nigerians in Birnin Magaji and Magami communities in Tsafe and Maradun local government areas of Zamfara, following attacks by suspected bandits.

    The president made the condemnation in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu in Abuja on Monday.

    According to the President, a major operation by the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Police, Department of State Services and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, is being considered to restore peace and stability to affected areas.

    “These horrendous acts of violence are crimes against humanity. This violence must stop,” he said.

    While expressing his deepest condolences to the families of those killed in the attacks, the government and people of Zamfara, the President also wished those injured a speedy recovery.

    Buhari said he had authorised an assessment trip to Zamfara and Sokoto states by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Abubakar Sadiq, on Christmas and Boxing days.

    Read Also: Buhari greets Nigerians at Christmas

    He reassured residents of states plagued by bandits — Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Niger and Taraba, that their safety was an enduring commitment of his administration and he would continue to ensure that security agencies worked round the clock to protect local populations.

    The President conveyed his support to the Nigeria Police Force, which had already deployed Special Forces in each of the local governments in Zamfara and the Defence Headquarters’ deployment of a Special Military Intervention Force comprising more than 1,000 personnel.

    He said the security personnel, which were part of measures, among others, to respond to the security challenges in the North Central and North West, would be intensified to flush out the bandits from the affected areas.

    The President commended Nigerians “for the support to our security agencies who have continued to demonstrate dedication, commitment and bravery even in very difficult and complex operations’’.

    The Police Command in Zamfara had on Sunday confirmed that 17 people were killed in an attack on Magami village of Faru District in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara.

    NAN

  • Insecurity: Buhari gives military pass mark 

    …says, Boko Haram requires multinational approach

     

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari has said that Boko Haram insurgency and other security challenges facing Nigeria require sustained multinational security operations to finally end them.

    This was as the President gave the Nigerian Armed Forces a pass mark in its response to the numerous security challenges confronting the nation.

    Buhari stated these during the graduation of 182 Senior Course 40 at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji in Kaduna State on Thursday.

    President Buhari said, “As the world shrinks into a global village with advancement in technology, nations cannot afford but work closely with each other in pursuit of their national interests. Even at the level of individuals or groups, the barriers have been broken. This has also brought in its wake an increase in international trade, commerce as well as security cooperation.”

    Read Also:Insecurity biggest threat in the north, says Emir

    He said the numerous security challenges facing the world today are trans-border in nature, involving actors in different sub-regions and regions. Adding that; “The West African sub-region and indeed the African continent are not immune to the negative impacts of globalization.”

    The President therefore said that, “to effectively combat the prevalent security threats demands that African countries continue to work together at all levels including operational and tactical levels.

    “We recognise that security challenges abound in all countries of the world including Nigeria. I am certain, with the consistent efforts of our security agencies, these challenges shall be considerably mitigated and minimised. I am sure you are aware of the collaboration of the armed forces of Nigeria, Cameroun, Niger Republic and Chad in a multinational operation to combat Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin region.”

    While noting that, capacity building remains the bedrock of combat ready for effective and efficient military which this government remain committed to, the President said, the Federal Government will continue to give priority to the training and welfare of officers and men of our Armed Forces.

    “This is not only because we salute their courage and sacrifice for the safety and stability of our country but because the Armed Forces of Nigeria have continued to be the bastion of our unity.”

    While commending the armed forces, he said, “over the years, the Armed Forces of Nigeria have provided the appropriate response to the numerous security challenges facing our country.

    “Their response to Boko Haram insurgency, militancy, kidnapping, activities of separatists and armed militias amongst others have been very commendable.

    According to him, the Nigerian Armed Forces has also committed huge resources towards stability of the West African sub-region and world peace in general.

    “Our efforts in Liberia and Sierra Leone which stabilized the West African sub-region readily come to mind, more recently, our Armed Forces have also contributed to the peace in The Gambia, Mali and South Sudan.”

    Buhari said the significance and importance of joint training of members of the armed forces of friendly and allied countries cannot be over-emphasized and Senior Course 40 is not an exception. “The Course would have afforded you the chance to break barriers and build bridges of friendship amongst yourselves as individuals. It would have also afforded you the rare opportunity of appreciating each other’s lifestyle, culture and doctrines.

    “This unique understanding and bond is expected to come handy in forging closer co-operation when occasions demand that you are deployed together “in multinational operations.” he said

    He called on the graduating officers to realize that the nation has made a lot of investment into their training. Likewise the nation is expecting the best from them in terms of commitment to duties and their fatherland.

    He also assured of his administration’s effort to return Nigeria on the path of peace and prosperity, saying that, “At the inception of this administration, I made 3 key promises to Nigerians. First is to address the various security challenges facing our country, second, to reposition our economy and third to fight the serious challenge of corruption which had eaten so deep into the very fabric that sustains our nation,” The President said.

     

  • 45 percent of Nigerian workers are casual workers

    Says NLC wants Security overhaul

     

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said on Wednesday that about 45 percent of workers in the country are operating as casual workers with employers in the banking as well as oil and gas sector the major culprit and asked the government not to do anything that will further compound the current precarious employment situation in the country.

    The congress also asked the government to overhaul the nation’s security architecture to deal with emerging security threats that are threatening to stifle the current economic recovery and growth especially after the last recession.

    Speaking at the 61st Annual General meeting of the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), President of Congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba said Organised Labour will soon visit those employers of Labour that specialized in subjecting Nigerians to unhealthy Labour practices.

    In his address read by the General Secretary of Congress, Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson, the congress said that “a Report by the Campaign for Democratic Workers Rights, 45% of Nigeria’s workforce operates as casual workers. Many employers in the downstream oil and gas and banking sub sectors still indulge in labour casualization. For such employers, we assure you that we will soon be at your doorsteps. We will dare you! We shall win”

    The congress asked the federal government to thread carefully on the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) and ensure robust consultations with labour and employers before ratifying the ACFTA.

    It said that the government should ensure that smuggling and false declarations on countries of origin do not stifle local competitiveness of Nigerian businesses if ACFTA is eventually ratified.

    The NLC also calls on government to “overhaul our security architecture to deal with emerging security threats that are threatening to stifle the current economic recovery and growth especially after the last recession.

    “Many businesses have been shut down in many of the flash point communities as many innocent Nigerians are forced to flee from their homes and take up residence in Internally Displaced Persons Camps scattered all over the country.

    “The recent resurgence of Boko Haram insurgency also needs to be tackled. While we commend the Nigerian Armed Forces for the sacrifice and commitment to restore normalcy and peace in different troubled spots in our country, we warn of the dire consequences of allowing the current gloomy security situation in Nigeria to relapse into a political recession.”

    The congress said while NECA which is the umbrella body of employers in the country has a strong bond with Nigerian workers, there are still a few employers who have refused to be on the same page with the rest of employers in taking the issue of workers’ rights and entitlements seriously.

    The congress said: “Just last week, the Nigeria Labour Congress and its civil society allies took on MTN over several and severe anti-workers policies. It is unfortunate that organized labour was forced to adopt the strategy of picketing against MTN.

    Read Also: NLC pickets MTN office in Kano

    “For more than five years now, the NLC has been trying to make MTN understand the need to allow its workers to unionize Our position is that MTN cannot reap so much profits from our country and still treat our constitution and labour laws with disdain.

    “MTN, unlike its operations elsewhere, has refused to allow its employees the freedom to join trade unions. Efforts by well meaning Nigerians including the leadership of NECA to make MTN realize that it cannot continue to break our laws without consequences failed.

    “It is unfortunate that MTN has chosen to be the face of corporate rascality in Nigeria. The Nigeria Labour Congress wishes to advise MTN that it’s poorly thought out script of “industrial apartheid” has died on arrival.

    “Having fought from the frontline in the struggle for Nigeria’s independence and having resisted apartheid and neo-colonialism in South Africa and other parts of the Global South, organized labour in Nigeria will remain unwavering in its commitment to uproot every vestige of modern day industrial slavery as being championed by MTN.

    “It is very important that we sound a note of warning that last week’s picketing of MTN offices nationwide is only a first service of notice. If MTN refuses to heed the voice of reason and chooses to trudge along a perfidious path, it can be rest assured that Nigerian workers will adopt every legitimate means within its reach to ensure that workers locked up in its concentration camps are freed sooner rather than later.

    “MTN is not alone in the practice of casualization of labour and anti-unionization. We wish to remind all employers that our laws allow all workers to exercise their freedom of association to belong to unions of their choice in line with the provisions of ILO Convention 87 and Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “Casual workers in our workforce operate under very precarious conditions with near total denial of the benefits associated with permanent and decent work. Nigerian workers can no longer offer their labour to slave drivers whose only interest is profit maximization and capital mobility.

    “I wish to reiterate the commitment of organized labour to keep open our warm hands of fellowship to NECA especially given the commitment of many of your members to harmonious industrial relations. We assure you of the commitment of Nigerian workers to continue to give you their best efforts knowing full well that we are all partners in progress for the good of our country, profitable businesses and the betterment of the lives of millions of Nigerian workers who are the hands that turn the wheels of prosperity.

    “The Nigeria Labour Congress will continue to stand by NECA in ensuring that we foster a suitable environment for businesses to thrive. It is in this wise that the Nigeria Labour Congress has always taken up strong advocacy and campaigns for laws and policies that improve the ease of doing business.

    “We will continue to work with our affiliate unions to ensure that high-handed taxes and tariffs by government are re-negotiated to enable businesses to thrive, ensure workers retain their employment and for government to enjoy sustained revenue.

    “Currently, the Nigeria Labour Congress is taking up the issue of the recent 500% hike in the excise duty on alcohol, spirit and tobacco. We are working with our affiliate union in the food, beverages and tobacco sector, the National Union of Food Beverages and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE), to engage the Federal Ministry of Finance and the National Assembly on this issue.

    “We have already submitted a memorandum and made appearances together with NUFBTE at a Public Hearing by the Nigerian Senate on the issue of the hike.

    “The Nigeria Labour Congress has adopted a traditional posture against neo-liberal tendencies of successive governments in Nigeria which we believe is extremely hurtful and deleterious to our local enterprises and employers of labour.

    “The NLC has also been proactive and vocal on the need for government to improve on critical national infrastructure. It would be foolhardy to continue to depend on generators to run our economy and expect robust competitiveness and sustained growth. The truth is that we cannot continue to operate a 19th century infrastructure and expect to experience a 21st century economy.”

  • Nigeria may not develop without speedy judgment on corruption cases – NIM

    The Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) has advised the Federal Government judicial system to adopt speedy prosecution of corruption cases to ease genuine development of the country.

    NIM President, Professor Olukunle Iyanda made the call at an executive training organized in partnership with the National Defence College at the NDC Headquarters, in Abuja.

    The training which was fourth in its series was to present professional membership certificate of the institute to top officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces, who attended the special capacity building.

    Iyanda explained that the system should encourage transparency, accountability through rewards but ensure timely punishment of those involved in criminal and corrupt practices.

    His words: “Nigerians want infrastructure to be efficient, we want people to use the enormous resources of the country for the good of the people to provide good education and health. If people actually apply the fortunes of Nigeria to objectives of the people, we will be a much better country.

    “We want the reward system to be actualized. When people do things that contribute to the betterment and achievement of the nation, it should be rewarded and when they do anything that compromises the objective and aspirations of the people, they should be punished and punished timely.

    “All these extended trials over years and years, when people are standing trial for six years don’t actually have impact. I worked for 15 years in Botswana, when anybody violates the legal standard, within six months you have gone through your trial. You are either pronounced free or put in jail. So people can see a demonstrated consequence of doing things the wrong away. As a result everyone checks himself.”

    He advised the trainees, who are largely Generals, Maj. Generals and Colonels to expose corrupt practices and remain ethical professionals.

    “The NIM code enjoins the professional manager to accept the most scrupulous and transparently honest and ethical process of though…and be personally free of any fraudulent or corrupt practices. You therefore must resist corruption, or any gift that may impose an obligation on you in your daily work and decisions or could make you compromise. You see the trial on pages of newspapers and you don’t see people actually go to jail,” he added.

    According to him, the training became imperative considering vital role of management in resource mobilization and allocation.

    Earlier, the NDC Commandant, Rear Admiral Adeniyi Osinowo, tasked the officers to be creative and help manage resources considering the limited budgetary allocations to the military.

    Osinowo, represented by his deputy, Maj. General Peter Bauke lauded the NIM for its gesture and called for intensive self-development of the security personnel.

  • NAF ready to partner innovative institutions for capacity development

    NAF ready to partner innovative institutions for capacity development

    The Nigerian Air Force ( NAF ) says it is ready to partner with innovative institutions for capacity development to combat insecurity and insurgency in the country.

    AVM Paul Jemitola, Principal Director, Air Research and Development Center, NAF, Kaduna, said this on Wednesday in Benin at the ongoing 15th meeting of the National Council of Science and Technology.

    Jemitola said that this was in line with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar’s vision for the Air Force.

    According to him, the Air Chief is keen on research and development and encourages all kinds of development projects by the Air Force.

    He said the Air Force was at the meeting to network and collaborate with other agencies and ministries that had capacity that would be of benefit to the Nigerian Armed Forces.

    Jemitola said that the latest technology developed in addition to the many innovations by the Air Force were the Gulma Unmanned Area Vehicle ( UAV ) and the Unmanned Ground Vehicle ( UGV ).

    Read also: NAF acquires, reactivates five additional air craft to fight insurgency

    He said that the UAV had a maximum Altitude capacity of 10,000 feet; cruise speed of 86.4kts; endurance limit of 5.8h hours and with a range of 923 kilometres and an engine capacity of 17hp.

    Other components of the UAV, otherwise known as drone is that it is fully composite and a micro pilot avionics.

    He said that the raw materials used in developing both the UAV and UGV were sourced within the country.

    According to him, both equipment were designed and manufactured by the Air Development and Research Centre.

    He said that the key thing in all was the intellectual capacity that brought the innovation together to a functioning unit that could be used for military purposes.

    NAN

  • Minister lauds Armed Forces for defeating Boko Haram

    Minister lauds Armed Forces for defeating Boko Haram

    The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali Thursday commended personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces for the sacrifice they made to ensure the return of peace in the northeast of the country.

    According to him the armed forces laboured day and night under very harsh conditions with some paying the supreme price to bring the deadly activities of the Boko Haram insurgents to an end.

    He said it was therefore incumbent on Nigerians to appreciate and support the gallantry and sacrifices of members of the Armed Forces by supporting their welfare especially the fallen heroes.

    The Minister spoke with reporters in Abuja to herald the activities lined up for the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration.

    Dan-Ali noted that the relative peace being enjoyed in the northeast was as a result of the sacrifices of men and women of the Armed forces.

    He said: “They have laboured day and night under very harsh conditions. Some have paid the supreme price , others have been permanently incapacitated, while others are missing in action,”he said, why appealing to the public for assistance for the fallen heroes.

    “On our part, the Federal Government and the Ministry of Defence under my watch will continue to be proactive in attending to their welfare needs.”

    He  said the event would afford Nigerians and foreign nationals working in the country the opportunity to support the families of fallen heroes with donations and other welfare assistance.

    “The ministry is assessing a proposal to make informed decisions that will enhance the welfare of our veterans. The Military Pension Board had continued to deliver on regular pensions for military retirees,”he said.

    The minister warned that the ministry would not tolerate sharp practices in pension administration process, adding that the military health insurance scheme was extended to the retirees and their families.

    “The health insurance scheme has continued to impact positively on the health status of our veterans and their families,”he said.

    Activities lined up for the event include:launch of the Emblem by President Muhammadu Buhari on Oct. 25 at the National Cenotaph, religious services and laying of wreath.

  • Armed forces veterans, labour vow to resist coup

    Armed forces veterans, labour vow to resist coup

    …We’ll dust old khakis, fight with last drop of our blood – old soldiers

     

    Retired members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, under the auspices of coalition of concerned veterans (CCV) have joined other prominent Nigerians to warn those contemplating coup, saying they will use their old khaki and last drop of their blood to resist the alleged planned coup.

    This was also as the organised labour equally vowed to resist any non-democratic military intervention in the country’s democratic process.

    The military veterans stated categorically that, they will waste no time in dusting their old khaki and fight back if need be, to defend the nation’s democracy, even if it will cost their lives.

    The retired members of the armed forces stated these during a press conference jointly addressed by their National Chairman, Comrade Anthony Agbas, Regional Coordinator, Comrade Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu and National Spokesman, Comrade Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts in Kaduna on Tuesday.

    According to them, “We have fought many wars and battles both at home and abroad, and we are ready to defend the integrity of our dear country Nigeria at all cost, so, this is a serious warning to anyone trying to make an attempt of coup, as our Khaki is still with us. We are ready to fight war with any coup plotter in Nigeria”.

    “We, *RETIRED MEMBERS OF THE NIGERIAN ARMED FORCES,* under the auspices of Coalition of Concerned Veterans (CCV) have received with great disappointment, an intelligence report by the Chief of army staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, of an  attempt by some of our serving colleagues to plot an UNNECESSARY coup to destabilize our nascent democracy.

    “We want to state categorically that, all retired members of the Nigerian Armed Forces at home and in diaspora, warns of the consequences of engaging in any unprofessional act against the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by any (would be) or suspected serving members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

    “CCV members will strongly resist any attempt by anybody or groups of persons planning to destabilize a constitutional government that has been duly recognized locally and internationally by world leaders. This we won’t hesitate to do (if need be), by dusting our khaki and fighting back to defend our nascent Democracy even if it will cost us our lives.

    “We are ready to use our last drop of Blood and used our Khaki back to defend our great country against any kind of coup plot in the country. We support democratic government.

    “While wishing President Muhammadu Buhari speedy recovery as he recuperates from his health challenge(s), we also wish to lend our full support and loyalty to the acting President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, whose loyalty to the present administration is never in doubt. We wish to encourage him not to be distracted, but to continue with the enormous responsibility of nation building entrusted upon him by his Boss.

    “Overwhelming majority and lover of democracy are fully behind the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari even as we pray for his speedy recovery and safe return to his duty”, they said.

    Meanwhile, NEC Member of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Vice President, IndustriALL Global Union, Comrade Issa Aremu, in a statement he issued in Kaduna on Tuesday said “NEVER again should unelected gunmen rule Nigeria”.

    According to him the underdevelopment of most states in particular Kwara state in the past 50 years was attributable to frequency of governors, especially military governors which engendered instability in policy and undermined the state’s development.

    The labour leader said most military governors between 1985 and 1999 actually underdeveloped Kwara State, pointing out that, out of the 19 governors that have ruled the state, 13 are military, while 6 are democratically elected. He said at an average of two-year tenure per Governor, frequency of “unaccountable military administrators actually underdeveloped the states and Nigeria”.

    Comrade Aremu noted that, regardless of the frustrations with the present democratic process, the challenge is to deepen democracy not to doubt it, adding that, “insufficient democracy” and lack of accountability were responsible for the recent rot, corruption, de-industrialization mass unemployment and mass poverty.

    He however commended the military for defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria and curbing terror gangs like Boko Haram saying that, “security is the job military is cultivated for”.

    He condemned some present civilian governors and legislators who he said “lord it over their people like the discredited military administrators of the recent past”, adding that the woes of Nigeria started with the coup of 1966 after which successful military leaders “pillaged” the country.

     

  • Success against Boko Haram, victory over evil – Osinbajo

    Success against Boko Haram, victory over evil – Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Sunday noted that the success recorded by the Nigerian military against Boko Haram insurgency is a victory of good over evil.

    He made the remark during the interdenominational church service for the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Abuja.

    In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, Osinbajo said: “”First, that the physical battles they fought for freedom, justice and recently against terrorism and hate are battles fought to ensure that good would prevail over evil. They fought to ensure that light would prevail over darkness.

    “The victorious fight of our military against the evil ideology of Boko Haram is evidence of the ascendancy of good over evil. Our men and women of the Armed Forces have in the past few years battled an ideology that supports the killing of children on their beds, and the rape and abduction of women.

    “Many of our men of the forces died in the North East. At some point, this evil had taken over 14 local governments. But men whose wives are now widows and children fatherless, gave their lives to take back those territories.

    “Secondly, as we remember our departed military heroes, we also celebrate the attribute of brotherhood and unity that the military has demonstrated in the history of our country. Against Boko Haram, they stood side-by-side Christians , Muslims and other faiths. They stood and still stand united from the North East, South East, North West, South West, North Central, and South South.

    “They are today mobilizing in Southern Kaduna, Christians, Muslims, and from every tribe and tongue in Nigeria to defeat hate, intolerance and terrorism. They are prepared to lay down their lives to prove that our country belongs to all regardless of religion or ethnicity.  That when any Nigerian is killed, it is evil that has prevailed. It is darkness that has won.”

    Stressing that soldiers occupied a special place in the gospel of Jesus Christ, the vice president said the military profession is the only profession to which Saints are compared.

    He added: “The only profession to which the body of Christ is compared. The body of Christ is not compared with doctors, businessmen, bankers and others. I am a lawyer and I know what the scripture says about lawyers.”

    Quoting 2 Timothy 2:3-4, he said the Scripture says to Christians: “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

    “No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.”