Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, Saturday, has disclosed that the army would support the democratic dispensation in the country.
Lagbaja added that “the only thing better than democracy in Nigeria is “more democracy.”
According to the COAS’ release on Saturday, the army is working assiduously to protect the territorial integrity of the nation and support relevant security agencies in ensuring the security of lives and property within the country.
Information Nigeria reports that Chief’s statement came amid the military takeover in neighbouring Niger Republic where President Mohamed Bazoum, was ousted July 26.
While addressing Officer Cadets at the Passing Out Parade and Commissioning cum Oath Taking Ceremony for Executive Commission Course 1/2023, held at the Major Bulama Biu Parade Ground, Military Cantonment, Jaji, Kaduna State, Lagbaja said Nigeria should enjoy more democracy.
He added that the “desire of every Nigerian is a flourishing, uninterrupted constitutional democratic governance, that promotes national values and the interest of every well-meaning Nigerian, irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliation.”
According to the Director Army Public Relations, Brig Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, Lagbaja explained that all officers and men of the Nigerian Army must be reminded that subordination of the military to constituted authority remains the most fashionable means of promoting military professionalism.
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“I therefore charge all Nigerian Army personnel to be proud champions of our flourishing democracy and remain apolitical in discharging their constitutional duties.
“NA remains committed to ensuring the security of lives and property across the country, stressing that the Army is working assiduously to protect the territorial integrity of the nation and support relevant security agencies in ensuring the security of lives and property within the country,” he added.
The COAS, afterwards, conferred Presidential Commission on the passing out cadets, to the rank of lieutenant, after which the Oath of Allegiance was administered to them at the Lieutenant General Ihejirika Auditorium.
The 239 passing out cadets comprising 12 female and 228 male cadets were already in service as soldiers and were drawn from various corps of the NA, before they were selected for Executive Commissioning, after three months of intensive military training, spanning May 1 to August 5, 2023.
At the passing out ceremony, three cadets emerged in flying colours amongst their contemporaries. Cadet A Saminu came first in order of merit, while Cadet SC Nwokanta came second while Cadet OY Yahaya bagged the third position.
