Chuks Oyema-Aziken
A civil society organisation, Democratic Agenda has condemned attitude of some Nigerians who are trying to cause disaffection in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Democratic Agenda in a press release by the President, Olamide Funsho and Secretary, Hammed Tanimu on Thursday said personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria are loyal to the constitution and will not fall for the antics of those who openly pretend to love Nigeria, but secretly wish the country fall into crisis.
The group stated this in reaction to a recent publication which said some soldiers are crying for urgent intervention by the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Defence Staff, Theatre Commander and the General Commanding Officer of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, saying they are not properly fed and have not been paid their allowances.
The report in the online media also alleged that the soldiers lamented that they are not given good food and enough food and that they eat meat once a month, buy medicine from public medical vendors due to poor medication, and bribe to get welfare passes to get out of the bush and see their families.
The report also said soldiers in the Nigerian Military School (NMS) have lamented nonpayment of their Instructor Allowance for the first quarter of the year while according to them, their counterparts in other army schools like Nigerian Depot Army, Nigerian Defence Academy, Nigerian Army School of Language, Nigerian Army College of Education, Nigerian Army School of Medical Sciences, Nigerian Army School of Nursing and Nigerian Army School of Armour have been receiving their allowances.
According to Democratic Agenda, “We should learn of what is happening in some countries where people have put their selfish interest above National interest, hence want to cause disaffection in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“Democratic Agenda are stakeholders in the Nigerian project and will not keep silent when some elements want to bring down the country for their selfish interest.
“We are very convinced that the Armed Forces under the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa is loyal to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and will never do anything to disrupt the growth of our democracy.
“The military is happy and better under democracy and will not do any thing to sabotage the hard earned democracy. The CDS is determined to ensure complete subordination to constitutional governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The military will not be distracted from its constitutional duties
“Every facet of life is facing challenges, not just in Nigeria, even in advance societies.
“In Nigeria, disgruntled elements are picking up isolated cases, where they may be to cause disaffection. Let them know that personnel of the AFN will not fall for the trick.”
