…We are after terrorists- Gen. Lagbaja
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The Publisher of Thisday newspaper, Chief Nduka Obaigbena, on Thursday told the Nigerian military to stop getting involved in arresting protesters.
He equally called on the military to stop protecting electoral riggers but go after kidnappers and other criminals elements in the country.
He said thatfree and fair elections would form a Government that would be accountable where there would be no protest in the country.
Chief Obaigbena made this assertion while speaking as special guest of honour at the 2024 third quarter of the Nigerian Army Civil- Military Cooperation Media Chat held in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
He explained that from what is happening in some countries of Africa like Bukina Faso, Niger, Mali and other other countries where the military have turned against themselves, it then show that the Nigerian Army has done very well.
“Peace is very necessary for development. Our soldiers sacrifice their lives everyday to give us peace. We should not take it for granted. We should work with them. But the military needs to do more.
“The Military should stop getting involved in arresting protesters, they should arrest kidnappers. They should stop involving in protecting electoral riggers so as to entrench good governance that will stop protests. They should arrest kidnappers to make them to face the wrath of the law.
“Stop getting involved in protecting electoral riggers. If you do proper election, your Government will be accountable.”
The chairman and founder of Arise Television, however appealed to the Nigerian Government to ensure proper funding of the Armed Forces.
He suggested that at least, 25 percent of the national budget should be directed to security and the Armed forces noting that the budget will include technology.
“Before today, we have national satellite companies and other agencies who have been working and if we integrate our national satellite capability with our war in the North East, the North West, we can monitor bandits in Kaduna and other places.
“We spend so much money on national security, we spend so much money on national satellite technologies and across the board, we have to look at national security as a whole government approach.
“We have the entire infrastructure combined with the army and the army has to provide enough weapon. We need to have a vibrant defense industry.
“Why are we still importing bullets, importing arms, AK-47 and the likes. So we have to integrate our whole defense infrastructure with technological infrastructure to keep us safe and protect Nigerians from the new world order.
“Nobody knows what is going to happen, there is crisis in the Middle East, crisis in Ukraine, the possibility of Trump’s presidency, we should be ready to keep our peace and keep our ourselves going.
“II say 25 percent of our national budget should go to the armed forces, then 25 percent should also go to education especially in the North so that we can get our people educated.
“Furthermore, another 25 percent should also go for health and poverty. We have to support our vulnerable people in our society. Then we have to reduce taxes and allow people’s monies in their hands so that they can grow their own food, their own transport and be able to sort themselves out”, Obaigbena stated.
He urged Nigerians to continue to encourage the engagement between the military and the armed forces as well as the media to foster national development.
Earlier in his speech, the Chief of Army Staff(COAS), Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja stated that the Army is fostering collaborative partnerships across Nigeria, resulting in the present successes being recorded across multiple theatres in the country.
He further said that the cooperation being enjoyed by the Military has led to the neutralization of several terrorists and their leaders and the rescue of some abducted Nigerians in recent times.
General Lagbaja who was represented at the occasion by the Commander 4 Special Force Command, Major General Hilary Nzan, revealed that the military had assisted in the restoration of socio-economic activities in some crisis-ridden communities.
“These include the neutralization of several terrorists and their leaders, the rescue of some abducted Nigerians, and the restoration of socioeconomic activities in affected communities, leading to the return of internally displaced persons to their ancestral homes.
“Our efforts have also significantly boosted crude oil production while enhancing food security through special patrols and escort duties that enable farmers to cultivate their crops.
“In response to recent human-made and natural disasters in parts of the country, we activated our emergency response capabilities. We leveraged our unique competencies, as demonstrated in the recent flood incident in Maiduguri.
“The media remains a crucial link between the military and the public to ensuring accountability and fostering mutual trust. Despite the significant progress made in improving communication and media engagement, challenges persist, and forums like this help to address some of these challenges in the relationship.
“Therefore, to foster effective collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the media, it is vital to encourage open dialogue and mutual respect.
“We must establish regular communication channels to facilitate transparent reporting on military operations and timely dissemination of information, countering disinformation and misinformation while building public confidence.
The Chief Of Army Staff therefore appealed to media practitioners to uphold responsibility, accuracy, and fairness in reporting on the Nigerian Army’s activities, balancing national security interests with the public’s right to information.
On his part, Benue State commissioner for information and culture, Matthew Abo called for sustained harmonious collaboration between the media and the military to enhance unity, peace and development of the country.
