The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) ,Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has assured Nigerians that the Nigerian Army will never allow any forces or destabilising agents to disrupt or destabilise the already existing unity of the country.
Gen. Buratai gave the assurance during the COAS meeting with Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) ,General Officers Commanding (GOCs) as well as the Field Commanders on the operational issues and other issues that borders on national security at Army headquarters in Abuja.
According to him, the Democratic stability of any Nation was key as well as the only Panacea for better development, peace and progress hence the NA will ensure to resist any attempt by the enemies to distort and disrupt the most populace black nation’s nascent democracy.
“The best system of governance is democracy and we must all ensure that Nigeria’s democracy remains stable and steady”
“We will not allow any force ,elements or destabilising agents in or outside our country to set our beloved country on fire.”
The army boss who commanded the PSOs, GOCs, and Field Commanders to remain loyal to the constituted authority as well as rules of engagement ,reiterated that the NA will remain resolute in ensuring the subversive elements,detractors and other enemies do not achieved their aims and objectives of destabilising and disuniting the great country Nigeria as an entity.
While drawing attention of the participants, Buratai frowned at the recent interference and hijacking of the genuine #ENDSARS protesters by unscrupulous, undesirable elements and other group of persons taking undue advantage to cause mayhem that led to wanton killings, widespread violence, destruction of properties ,among others.
He however stated that though the Army was not unaware of the desperate efforts and moves of some elements to drag its name to disrepute and their desperate devilish plans to manipulate and graduate the supposedly peaceful protest into crisis at the initial stage, the NA has decided to trade with caution as a professional and responsible democratic institutions
“The events of the past few days in our dear nation have shown the determination of some unscrupulous individuals and groups to destabilize Nigeria by all means.
“These individuals, groups and other undesirable elements have hijacked the peaceful #ENDSARS protest marches resulting to widespread violence, acts of wanton destruction and looting of public and private property in many parts of the country. These acts led to the imposition of curfew in several states of the federation.” He stated.
Buratai further said,despite the efforts of the NA to quell the situation by ensuring total compliance of the citizens not to default the declaration of curfew imposed by some states including Lagos, some agitators had falsely accused,misrepresented and deliberately misinformed the public despite the overwhelming and glaring evidence that proved otherwise.
Gen. Buratai however charged the PSOs, GOCs ,Field Commanders as well as personnel and soldiers of the NA never to be distracted ,deterred or afraid of any forces in carrying out their legitimate duties as stipulated in 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and other relevant laws.
