President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday warned that any act of hooliganism
hiding behind lawful and peaceful protests will be dealt with decisively
to ensure peace and stability in the country.
The President’s comment comes as some Nigerians prepared to take to the
streets again in continuation of the #EndSARS protest.
“I want to reiterate our government’s commitment to the rights of
citizens to embark on peaceful protests,” Buhari said while declaring
open the Chief of Army Staff’s Annual Conference 2020 in Abuja.
“However, this must be done responsibly and in accordance with the laws
of the land.
“I also wish to state that any act of hooliganism hiding behind lawful
and peaceful protests will be dealt with decisively to ensure the peace
and stability of our nation.”
The President then commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for quelling the
violence that trailed the #EndSARS protests.
“I commend the Armed Force for their efforts which helped restore law
and order in many states during the large-scale criminality that ensued
in the wake of the #EndSARS protests,” he said.
In his speech, Buhari described the Year 2020 as a very challenging one,
citing the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and its negative impact on
almost every aspect of national life.
”Despite this, I am pleased to note that the Army remained resolute in
the discharge of its Constitutional roles and in keeping the wealth and
welfare of our soldiers a priority.
”The Army’s support of Civil Authorities in the management of the COVID
– 19 Pandemic is a case in point.
”Also, the peaceful elections conducted in Edo and Ondo States would not
have been achieved without the high level of professionalism displayed
by all security agencies, including the Army,” he said at the conference
themed “Human Capacity Development in Sustaining Professionalism and
Responsiveness of the Nigerian Army in the Discharge of its
Constitutional Roles.”
The President commended the Army for its unwavering commitment towards
curtailing the activities of insurgents, armed bandits, kidnappers,
cattle rustlers and other violent criminals through ongoing exercises
and operations in different parts of the country.
Notably, he said the Exercise SAHEL SANITY launched a few months ago in
the North West states to rid the Katsina-Zamfara corridor of marauding
bandits had recorded commendable progress.
”I have also been briefed about the tremendous successes that have been
achieved by troops during the ongoing Operation FIRE BALL in the North
East.
”I charge you all to sustain these efforts until the full restoration of
peace and security in the nation is achieved,” the President told
members of the armed forces at the conference which provides an avenue
for the leadership of the Army to re-assess its preparedness and
operational readiness in carrying out its Constitutional roles.
President Buhari also used the occasion to pay tribute to men and women
in uniform who have paid the supreme sacrifice in the defence and
security of the nation, commiserating with their families, comrades and
friends.
”As we pray for the repose of their souls, we must strengthen our
collective resolve to address those issues that will make every part of
our country a safe and secure place to live and carry out our normal
business,” he said.
He pledged that his administration will not relent in its efforts to
take adequate care of families of fallen heroes who had paid the supreme
sacrifice in the fight against insurgency and other forms of crimes
across the country.
At the conference, the President launched the Housing scheme for Next of
Kin of personnel of the Nigerian Army killed in action.
”It is in line with this that the Army as part of its welfare initiative
and in line with the Federal Government’s housing programme is
undertaking the Housing Scheme for families and next of kin of troops
that were killed in action in the fight against insurgency and other
criminalities in the country.
”I believe this initiative will act as a huge morale booster to the
troops on the frontlines as well as project the Army in good light.
”On our part, I assure you that this administration will continue to do
all within available resources to provide for your operational and
welfare needs,” he said.
President Buhari said he had been briefed that some of the major
capabilities procured for the Army will soon be inducted into the
various theatres of operations, urging personnel ‘‘to make judicious use
of these capabilities, even as we await the arrival of others currently
pending shipment to the country.’’
On the choice of the theme of the annual conference, President Buhari
noted that it is only through human capacity development that any
institution can attain the level of professionalism needed to
effectively and efficiently carry out its Constitutional roles.
The President, therefore, congratulated the Army on holding this
Conference at the magnificent edifice housing the Army’s Cyber Warfare
Command with its state-of-the-art Cyberwarfare Operations Centre, adding
that this shows that the Army is alive to the changing nature of warfare
which is gradually moving into the cyber domain.
”By the same token, I commend the visionary leadership that has worked
assiduously to emplace this vital capability that will fill an existing
gap in our nation’s security and defence architecture.
”This and other numerous infrastructural projects that have been
embarked upon in recent times by the leadership of the Army has shown
good utilization of scarce national resources,” he said.
Earlier, the Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Salihi Magashi
appreciated the President for always approving funds for operations of
the military in the country, assuring that all resources will be
judiciously utilised.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, noted that the Nigeria
Army was well poised to confront all security challenges, which includes
cyber threats.