Civil Society Groups warn Politicians against Denigrating the Military

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups against Terrorism in Nigeria, has added its voice, to reactions trailing a statement credited to the Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, where he spoke during the plenary of the senate, on the possibility of an Army takeover of government in the country.

The group in a statement issued in Lagos on Monday, and signed by its Convener, Comrade Odeyemi Oladimeji urged Nigerians to disregard stories of a possible military takeover in the country. He said the organization is seriously disturbed by some subtle insinuations from some quarters that the Military would venture into the politics of our dear Nation.

According to the statement, the group said there was an urgency to debunk the claim by Senator Ekweremadu, as such claim, seems more like a deliberate ploy by mischief makers to pitch the military against our democratic institutions, for their selfish motives.

“In view of the bad light in which such statement, tends to portray our Military, particularly the Nigerian Army, considering its record of unprecedented professionalism and patriotism most especially since the emergence of Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, as the Chief of Army Staff, these persons with the active backing of some politically connected people, sought to cast the entire Nigerian Army, we deem it imperative to warn them to stop blackmailing the institution of the military. We do not wish that their bluff snowballs into something else.

Thus under no circumstances should individuals, no matter how highly placed, and should begin to hint of Military takeover of government in Nigeria. Never again.

“While commending the officers and men of the armed forces, particularly the Nigerian Army, we appeal to politicians, to desist from using their exalted positions, to address issues of ego and personal interests, in place of issues that has are of priority to the collective interests of Nigerians.” the statement concluded.

Credit: Olufemi Lawson Akindele