• CDS assures military dealing with disobedient officers
From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Lucky Irabor, and a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, have called on Nigerians to continue to support the military in the battle against insurgency.
They spoke yesterday in Abuja at a public presentation and launch of three books in honour of Buratai who is the immediate past Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin.
The books entitled: Walking the War Front, Duty Call: Under Buratai’s Command, and The Lonely Grave, authored by a journalist, Jibrin Baba Ndace.
The event had in attendance Vice President-elect Kassim Shettima who was represented by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejie; Governor of Niger State, Sani Bello and Emir of Biu, Mai Mustapha Umar, among others.
Irabor, specifically noted the misbehaviour of one soldier should not be used as a yardstick to judge the entire men and women of the Armed Forces.
He said the military would continue to decisively deal with those giving the military a bad name despite the contribution of its personnel to safeguarding the country.
“We as members of the Armed Forces remain very professional based on core principles that we entrench during our training, the values that we inculcate in our officers and men.
“Even at that, there are still areas that reviews are carried out whether there are gaps we take measures to fill it up.
“But it would be unfair to disparage men and women of the Armed Forces who toil night and day for the rest of the society to go about their businesses even to sleep with their two eyes closed. But then are we faultless? No!
“Are they those amongst us who are going beyond the call of duty or even those who are underperforming, who are not matching up to expectations? Of course they are! Are they measures taken to address such? Yes, there are?
“But you cannot because of one bad apple believe that the entire Armed Forces are bad. It is a narrative that we must change.
“I am hopeful that as we begin to engage like this literary work has helped to bring the nation as to the congruent between men and women of the Armed Forces, the police and other forces who are saddled with the responsibility of bringing peace to our land.
“The interface between the call of men and women and, of course, the general public,” he said.
Buratai noted that he was still fit to combat Boko Haram insurgents despite his shy disposition.
He added that had no regrets serving in the military.
Speaking on the book, he said: “Being a historian, I know the importance of records. I am very proud of it that my activities have been recorded for posterity.
“It is something that one knows the value and I cherish it. I encourage the author to continue.
“Ndace is a courageous journalist, selfless and someone who has sacrificed for this nation.
“And as rightly said by the CDS, he should be one of those to be honoured. I am happy and glad that the Army has honoured him for his gallantry, service and for his professionalism.
“It is a footstep that all other journalists should follow.
“If I say I regretted anything I will be telling lies. I’m fulfilled. I am happy I served my country the way I did. And I am happy that I am being appreciated.”
The author, Ndace said he drew the inspiration to write the books from the gallantry and determination of the military to rid the country of terrorists.
According to him, Nigerians must begin look at the positive side of the military and give security personnel the needed support to tackle insecurity.