The Defence Headquarters has faulted former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s assertion that President Goodluck Jonathan wanted to use the military to subvert the people’s will during the elections on March 28 and April 11.
Reacting to Obasanjo’s statements, yesterday, on its blog, www.defenceinfo.mil.ng , the military however assured Nigerians that it remains and will continue on its path of professionalism in the discharge of its duties at all times.
In a statement posted on its blog, yesterday, the DefenceHeadquarters, said “themilitary as an institution, is neither as inept in the discharge of its duties nor is it being misused for political ends in the manner the retired General Obasanjo, who was also a President, has possibly been madeto believe.”
The statement:
“The Defence Headquarters has noted the remarks of a former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, as reported in the media stating his views on perceived state of the armed forces and the roles being allegedly played by the military in the nation’s political process in recent times.
“The leadership and cross section of the military believe that the former President and retired General has every right to be interested in the actions and fate of the military. Hence, his views like many others will continue to be accorded the well-deserved attention.
“It is, however, noteworthy that most of his utteranceslately indicate an attitude of playing to the gallery or indulging in politicization of serious national securityor military affairs.
“For instance, the comments credited to Chief Obasanjo alleging that the postponement of the general elections was to enable President Jonathan to use the service chiefs to plot a tenure extension is to say the least, very surprising.
“It is surprising indeed, considering the fact that the retired General chose to ignore the clarification and emphatic assurances of non-partisanship of the military as declared in a DHQ statement on the position of the armed forces in the ongoing political activities.
Embarrassment to military
“His motive, as usual, remains unknown but it is certainly lessthan noble or well intentioned. We dare say again that Chief Obasanjo’s assertions are false.
“Much as themilitary desires to respectthe old General and his views, it has become necessary to point out that his conduct and unguarded utterancesof late has fallen shortof the standard of discipline expected of an individual who has had the privilege of service in the military and risen to the status of a General.
“The behaviour of retired General (Chief) Obasanjo has been so unbecoming and continues to constitute a serious embarrassment to the military before all who have reasonably and rightly adjudged the essenceof military background in termsof the high value and standard it tends to contribute to statesmanship.
“We feel constrainedto remind the old General that the world has moved beyond that parochial and self-adulating reasoning and mindset which he seems stuck to. Indeed, he needs to be told that by virtue of their better training, exposure, education, assessmentand environment, the military personnel of today are already far beyond his level in their appreciation of democracy and it’s indispensability for the stable and prosperous society which Nigerians cherish.
Military is now betterplaced
“In this instance, the military wishes to inform the retired General, that the institution which he bequeathed to the nation has certainly developed beyond how he left it. The Nigerian military is now better placed to strive for the maintenance of the legacies and ethos of service, valour, subordination to constituted authorities, and non-partisan commitment to duty and fatherland.
“It has to be restated that the military as an institution, is neither as inept in the discharge of its duties, nor is it being misused for political ends in the manner the retired General Obasanjo who was also a former President has possibly been madeto believe.
“Indeed, the system now strongly believes in democracy as well as its structures and institutionsto theextent that it will do nothing whatsoever to undermine or truncate the steady growth and developmentof the nation’s democracy.
“The military will remain professional as it keeps doing its best along with others to ensure adequate security and defence of the nation’s territorial integrity in this auspicious period in the country.
“The Defence Headquarters will like to encourage Chief Obasanjo to be genuinely interested in the growth and sustenance of Nigeria’s democraticcredentials.
“He is also enjoined to endeavour to improve in his understanding of intricate issuesand try to encourage the military rather than continue with this tendency to indulge in imputation of ulterior motives to every effort, all for the purpose of discrediting well thought out policies or decisions related to the military’s roles in the polity.
“The support of all well-meaning elderly Nigerians remains vital in the onerous duty of working for thestability, defence, and peace of our country under duly constituted authorities in a democraticenvironment.”
Troops clear terroristsfromMonguno
Meanwhile, Special Forces of the Nigerian military prosecuting the war against terrorism in North-East, yesterday morning achieved another victory, when a highly coordinated air and land assault completed their mission of clearing terrorists from Monguno and environs in Borno State.
According to defence spokesman, Major General Chris Olukolade, scores of terrorists were killed, while truckloads of rice, beans and other logistics meant for re-supply for the terroristsoperating around Baga were captured in the courseof the operation.
Olukolade disclosed that the terrorists suffered serious casualties, while arms and others dangerous equipment were recovered from the terrorists, noting that Monguno, Marte and other communitiesare now fully secured.
He added that the military had embarked on cordon and search to fish out terrorists on the run and recovermore bodies.
Also, he noted that the air and land operation was continuing with aggressive advance towards other designated communities and locations meant to be cleared in the ongoing offensiveagainst the terrorists.
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