The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, reiterated on Tuesday that the military would not allow itself to be used by any interest groups to disrupt democratic governance in Nigeria.
According to The PUNCH, speaking at the opening ceremony of the COAS Combined 2nd and 3rd Quarters Conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Lagbaja emphasized the Army’s commitment to maintaining the nation’s democratic path.
Lagbaja expressed concern that calls for a military takeover were emanating from young Nigerians who had not lived through the extensive military rule in Nigeria’s history.
He highlighted the Army’s determination to preserve the “new prestige” it has established over the past 25 years by upholding democratic governance.
Reflecting on the recent nationwide hunger protests, also known as the #EndBadgovernanceInNigeria movement, Lagbaja described the event as a significant wake-up call.
He pointed out that the protests underscored the potential for food insecurity and hunger to escalate into a major national crisis.
Addressing the issue of calls for military intervention, Lagbaja remarked, “Another pertinent issue that came up during the recent protest is the call for undemocratic intervention in governance by the Armed Forces of Nigeria. Although one can say this was 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 to get the Nation on its current path, as the Chief of Army Staff, my simple response to the call is, ‘Thanks, but no thanks!’”
He continued, “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, secure and united.”
Lagbaja underscored that the Armed Forces would not only focus on the physical security and defense of the nation but would also address issues related to food and social security, recognizing their role in maintaining stability.
He acknowledged that while the situation that sparked the protests seemed to have calmed, the underlying issue of food security remained a critical concern.
To address this, Lagbaja revealed that the Nigerian Army would be revising its agricultural policy to enhance the output of the Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited.
The goal is to release grains into the market at subsidized rates, thereby supporting government efforts to alleviate the food crisis.
He also mentioned that the Army is considering partnerships with government ministries, departments, agencies, and private organizations to tackle the food security challenge.
Lagbaja highlighted the Army’s ongoing efforts to provide security for farmers in key agricultural regions across the North-East, North-West, and North Central zones, aiming to prevent disruptions in food production that could impact the nation’s food supply.
Furthermore, he noted the recent support from the government, including the purchase of two BELL UH-1 Huey helicopters equipped for missions such as reconnaissance, surveillance, logistics, and medical evacuation.
The Army has also acquired Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles, rifles, and ammunition to bolster its operational capabilities and enhance security nationwide.
Lagbaja reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to the welfare of the widows and families of fallen heroes, emphasizing that their support remains a priority.
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, who declared the conference open, expressed his pleasure at hosting the event in Akwa Ibom.
He commended the COAS for providing “purposeful direction” to the Nigerian Army in fulfilling its constitutional duties and acknowledged the Army’s continuous innovation and professionalism.
Eno also pledged the state government’s full support for the establishment of the proposed Army base in the state and other logistical needs.
