By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says the military is committed to protecting the nation’s democracy and ensuring peaceful atmosphere in the forthcoming governorship election in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo.

Musa made the remark when the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru and Minister of State, Dr Bello Matawalle paid a working visit to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

He urged all stakeholders in the three states to ensure that nobody was killed in the process of casting vote.

According to him, it is important that they all put hands together to sure that the election is hitch-free, peaceful and  reflect what the people actually wanted.

The CDS said the military would do whatever it takes to protect democracy and help it to thrive in Nigeria, adding that they were fully ready, prepared and committed to the task.

“We know there have been series of challenges within the sub region where we have a number of coups all over.

“We want to assure Mr President and to you all, that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is fully committed to democracy,” he said.

Musa thanked the ministers and President Bola Tinubu for ensuring that the military met its operational requirements in terms of combat enablers, funding and welfare of personnel.

According to him, the government has shown determination, dedication and commitment to ensuring that the armed forces is properly equipped, trained and managed to secure the country’s territorial integrity.

He however said that the military was limited by dearth of funding to effectively handle some of its activities, especially in the area of accommodation for personnel.

According to him, the military is recruiting almost 20,000 officers and soldiers yearly who should be properly accommodated.

The CDS, therefore, urged the ministers to also look into it, including foreign training for personnel to enhance their capacity in dealing with counterterrorism and counter insurgencies in the country.

Responding, the Minister of Defence, Badaru, commended the military for the successes so far recorded since the assumption of duty of the current CDS.

He said that they had done well in dealing with criminals across the country.

According to him, more than 117 terrorists, bandits and other criminals were neutralised by the military within the period, and urged it to sustain the onslaught until the nation is rid of the menace.

”We have seen significant improvement in oil production thanks to the servicemen and I believe that will continue,” Badaru added.

”The CDS had promised that they would push and push harder until the country regained its normal production levels.

“We also seen remarkable progress in the South East and North East where facilities that were shut down years backs are being reopened recently.

“I want to thank your leadership because we have one group that is committed, dedicated and working together,” he said.

The minister also commended the CDS and service chiefs for boosting the morale of troops in operational areas through regular visits and other inspirational programmes.

He pledged that the Federal Government would continue to support the military in meeting its operational requirements in the area of equipment, improved funding, accommodation, training and medical services.

According to him, President Tinubu holds the military in high esteem and believes that the way to solve the security challenges of this country is  by supporting the military.

”He has demonstrated fantastically well with what he has done so far, so I will also remind him of all these issues you raised and I am sure he will take it up and will see to the success of this fight.

“We promise Nigerians that within one year they will see tremendous changes and that will happen from what has been seen so far.

“So congratulations and keep it up and you have all our support and the support and assurance of Mr president in all you do and in all your requirements,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Janefrances Oraka/Maharazu Ahmed