National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Paulinus Nta, Akwa Ibom
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General TA Lagbaja, has vowed to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy, asserting that the Army will never allow itself to be used to undemocratically install any interest in power.
Gen Lagbaja made these remarks during the opening ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff Combined Second and Third Quarters Conference 2024, held at the Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs Hall in Uyo on Tuesday.
He reiterated the Army’s determination not to jeopardise the hard-earned reputation it has built over the last 25 years.
Addressing concerns that arose from recent protests, Lagbaja stated, “Another pertinent issue that came up during the recent protest is the call for undemocratic intervention in governance by the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“This, however, seems to be coming from young Nigerians who never experienced the era of Nigeria’s extensive military rule and the concerted struggle by heroes and heroines of our current democratic dispensation.”
He firmly rejected such calls, saying, “As Chief of Army Staff, my simple response to the call is, ‘Thanks, but no thanks!’ The Nigerian Army will not allow itself to be used to undemocratically sail some interests to power.
“As the service that received the most image bashing as a fallout of previous military interventions in Nigeria, the Nigerian Army is not poised to lose the new prestige it has painstakingly built in the past 25 years. Nigeria must remain secure and united.”
General Lagbaja highlighted the evolving security challenges in the country, noting that beyond the usual threats of terrorism, insurgency, banditry, illegal mining, and farmer/herder crises, recent protests driven by economic discontent have resulted in significant unrest and violence.
He acknowledged the role of the military in managing these challenges, stating, “The protests, which were primarily driven by provocative and inciting social media traffic, were professionally managed by the Nigeria Police Force, supported by the military and other security agencies. However, the challenge posed by the protests is a reminder that the military must always remain professional.”
Expressing sorrow over the loss of lives and the destruction witnessed during the protests, Lagbaja said, “As investigations are instituted into the actions of both the protesters and security forces, I join other well-meaning Nigerians in condoling the families and loved ones of those who tragically lost their lives during the protests.
“As a creation of the Nigerian Constitution, the Nigerian Army recognises citizens’ right to air their grievances but believes such should only occur within the confines of the law.”
Lagbaja also noted that ongoing military operations have significantly degraded the country’s adversaries, impacting terrorists and other criminal groups. He emphasised the Army’s efforts to protect Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, stating, “Our concerted operational activities have helped to reduce militancy, pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and illegal oil refining in the Niger Delta region. Unfortunately, in the course of our operations across the country, we have lost several of our colleagues, with many others wounded.”
The Army Chief expressed his gratitude to Pastor Umo Eno, Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, for the warm hospitality extended to his team, adding that some participants were already advocating for the Annual Conference to be permanently hosted in Uyo.
