Democracy

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Director-General, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Prof. Ayo Omotayo, has called on the Nigerian military not to falter in its total support to democratic governance in Nigeria.

Omotayo made the call when he led the management team of the institute on a courtesy call to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, on Monday in Abuja.

He said Nigerians expect the military to concentrate fully in securing the country, and ensuring that recent coups in parts of Africa did not distract it from protecting democracy in Nigeria.

The DG said the institute was confident of the commitment of the military to the principles of democracy in the governance of the country.

“I believe that under you the Nigerian Army will continue to support democratic governments and will do all it can not to allow negative elements, especially the Wagner Group, to have inroad into our country.

“The army at this time is most challenged and we in our various perspective truly want the government to give the army the necessary funding, the necessary support it needs to be able to carry out its objectives,” he said.

Omotayo said that NIPSS has been developing non-kinetic methods for peace building as a course module.

“There is need for the Nigerian Army and NIPSS to have an understanding on developing a complete and full module for non-kinetic operations for the military.

“We have an opportunity at this time that we have a new government in place and we must all put hands on deck to ensure that the new government is able to deliver on the dividends of democracy to the citizens.

“In doing that, we believe that the Nigerian Army has a big role to play and have what it takes to discharge on these responsibilities,” he added.

Omatayo hailed the commitment of the army to the restoration of peace and security to all parts of the country, including Jos, where the iinstitute is located.

Responding, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja, commended the institute for its contribution to strategic level manpower development of the Nigerian Army and other services.

Lagbaja gave the assurance that the army would continue to cooperate with NIPSS, which is Nigeria’s highest and most effective think tank.

“The Nigerian Army always takes a holistic look at addressing security challenges using both kinetic and non, -kinetic means.

“The kinetic effort was just about 20 to 30 per cent at resolving any security challenge, especially when they are internal security in nature.”

According to him, the non-kinetic contribution is significant and must be visible in the field to bring about desired stability and lasting peace.

He therefore said the army would continue to forge partnership with the institute to develop the non-kinetic approach module to address emerging and other issues of national concern.

“We are ready to partner with the Institute towards developing a complete module for the non kinetic approach to resolving this issue.

“We are also very much aware of the nuances, especially of the population and their position to things that come from the military.”

He assured that the army will continue to strive for a peaceful and prosperous nation.

“We are concerned about the security situation in Plateau, so we will continue to do what we need to do to ensure that there is peace and security in that state.

“Also, we will continue to focus attention on the National Institute because we don’t want to have a hostage situation where participants and staff of the institute are kidnapped,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Maharazu Ahmed