Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. LEO Irabor has again assured that the military would not interfere in the country’s democratic process.
The CDS stated this at the National Arcade Abuja at the laying of wreaths in commemoration of the 2023 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day on Sunday.
Gen. Irabor said that the armed forces would support the police in ensuring the peaceful conduct of the forthcoming general election in Nigeria.
“Democracy has come to stay. Government of the people, by the people and for the people in Nigeria has come to stay.
“That is an assurance and then of course for the election, I’m sure you know that the police are in the lead. I have been discoursing with the IG.
“And of course, we have made contingencies should we be required to give support to the police as the election is conducted.
He said the Armed Forces and Remembrance Day ceremony “is actually not a day of mourning, but a day we need to give thanks to God that men and women of this great nation once served and are serving and will continue to serve this country; and that we have that level of love for country that men and women committed to that if need be sacrifice their lives so that the rest of us can live.
“I think it’s a worthy thing. So, today is quite a unique day that the nation has set it aside to value, to place premium in honouring the services of men and women of our country.”
Irabor said “the fact that one is being appreciated motivates and I think that’s the message that has gone across the length and breadth of members of the armed forces. So, we are more motivated to continue to play our part.”
The Defence Chief said the Remembrance Day would also be motivating to veterans and make them know that the services they rendered and sacrifices they made were not in vain.
