Leave governance to the politicians- Petinrin charges Military

[DT]

Military personnel have been charged to concentrate on the protection of Nigeria against both internal and external aggressions rather than delving into politics.

The former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Olusegun Petinrin (Rtd)gave the advice while presenting his farewell address during a pulling out parade to mark his retirement from the Nigerian Armed Forces on Friday at the Magadishu Barracks, Abuja.

While quoting from General Douglas MacArthur's address to the cadet of the U.S. Military Academy, the former CDS advised that: "My colleagues, leave governance to the politicians."

He maintained that the Military's obsession of public service must be duty, honor and country.

"...yours is the profession of arms, the will to win, the sure knowledge that in war, there is no substitute for victory, that if you lose, the Nation will be destroyed...", he quoted Gen. MacArthur as saying.

Best days

Air Chief Marshal Petinrin acknowledged that the military was presently enjoying the best moments in its history following the return to democratic rule in 1999.

"The Armed Forces I joined in July 1974 was comparable to the best in the world. However,it suffered a decline from about mid-1988, suffering a host of sustenance challenges up until the restoration of democracy in 1999."

He added that: "Since then, our military has experienced a steady growth from the depths it had hit, developing into the great force that serves our nation today."

The former CDS however, was fast to note that "It hasn't reached the peak yet, but along with the sustenance of the democratic system, it will surely get there."

Gratitude

Air Chief Marshal Petinrin expressed appreciations to the Military for honouring him but insisted that he should be the one honouring them at the occasion.

"I do not see this occasion as an honour to me. Rather, I see my family and I as the ones who owe you all a debt of gratitude and any honour that may

be due."

Highlights of the occasion include joint parades by the Nigerian Air Force, Army and Navy as well as the symbolic pulling out of the retired Military officer.

He enjoyed a successful 38years in the Service, going on to be the Chief of Defence Staff before being retired by President Goodluck Jonathan last week.

{jathumbnail off}

Daily Trust

[Nifemi Donald]

it is when the situation of things get out of hand, that's when they intervene

[KingFemzee]

I just hope they listen to the word of wisdom and face their primary duty of safe guarding the country against external forces.