2023: CSOs commend CDS Irabor, military on improved security to hold polls

The Centre for African Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights leadership has applauded the invaluable efforts of the Nigerian military in protecting and preserving the country’s nascent democracy.

The centre gave the commendation at a well-attended press conference held on Wenesday, 14th December, 2022, at Abuja.

The Executive Director, Dr. (Mrs) Cecilia Ikechukwu, who addressed the conference, particularly, gave plaudits to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, whom she noted has championed a level of inter-agencies collaborations, worthy of commendation.

CSO said: “It is a statement that the country has gone through several security challenges that threatened our foundation. From North East Nigeria to South East, from North Central to North West. From South South to South West, it has been very challenging in the country’s annals.

‘We must admit that the Armed Forces’ involvement in internal security operations has indeed been the game changer in our efforts to address the threats posed by criminal elements and their sponsors across the country.

“This much has been evident in the numerous gains recorded in the war against Boko Haram terrorists, separationist agitators, kidnappers, bandits, religious extremists and other acts of criminalities.

“The level of inter-agencies collaborations championed by the indefatigable Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, is worthy of commendation. It goes, therefore, to highlight that the Chief of Defence Staff as a leader, understands the value of teamwork, which he has entrenched since his appointment to lead the critical Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“As a group, we are not surprised by the exploits of the Chief of Defence Staff because of his track record, which includes but is not limited to Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, where he led the ascendency of the military over the Boko Haram terrorist group in 2016 that saw to the recapturing of several local government areas that were hitherto under the control of the Boko Haram terrorist group, including the operational headquarters of the Boko Haram terrorist in Sambisa Forest.

“General Lucky Irabor also served as the Commandant of the Training and Doctrine Command of the Nigerian Army, where he assisted tremendously in reviewing the training and doctrines of the Nigerian Army.

“Our special commendation also goes to all heads of the various security agencies for putting the country’s interest at heart in ensuring that activities of criminal elements are neutralized and we have a country.

“We are buoyed by the fact that the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has risen above sentiments to give us a country by toiling night and day to ensure that we sleep with our eyes closed. This is remarkable and an indication that tough times await those planning to use the forthcoming general elections to cause unrest in the country.

“The capacity of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to deal with unscrupulous elements has never been in doubt. The apolitical stance of the Armed Forces is reassuring. It should give Nigerians a cause to celebrate in the protection and perseveration of our nascent democracy.

“As concerned stakeholders in the Nigerian Project, our position remains that the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have proven to be reliable and well-positioned to defend and protect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We wish to use this medium to call on all well-meaning Nigerians to extend their support to the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Her contribution to the preservation of our democracy cannot be overemphasized.

“Our commendation and appreciation are high. The Chief of Defence Staff has demonstrated that purposeful leadership is all that is required to address the country’s numerous challenges.

“The Service Chiefs, the Commanders, officers and men of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are indeed heroes of our democracy. We pledge our continued support in the country’s fight against crime and criminalities.

“We also urge the Chief of Defence Staff not to rest on his oars in leading the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in a most proactive and operationally effective manner. The Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria remain the bastion of our democracy.”