Jonathan Chides Critics of Nigeria's Military

President Goodluck Jonathan, on Tuesday, cautioned leaders in the country not to drag the military into the nation’s murky political waters-, saying that such an action would be reckless.
The President, who gave the admonition, while receiving a cheque for N1million from Mr. Dotun Oyetunde, in support of the nation’s armed forces, said men of the nation’s armed forces must be appreciated by all Nigerians and be insulated from politics.
The presentation of the cheque preceded a meeting of the Security Council, presided over by Jonathan, which was held behind closed-door, at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to Jonathan, he always felt bad whenever he hears people making insulting statements about the nation’s military.
He asserted that nations which Nigeria builds its democracy after do not behave in such manner.
He said: “We must continue to commend men of the Nigerian armed forces. A nation must honour men of its armed forces.
“All the nations that we emulate and build our democracy after do not insult their military.
“They must be appreciated and insulated from politics. I feel bad when leaders rope military into our day to day political activities. That is reckless.
“These men stay in the rain while we are under roofs. They stay awake for us to sleep well.”
The President acknowledged the supports the military is currently receiving from Nigerians and specifically commended youth groups that have been demonstrating in support of the troops.
He urged other Nigerians to borrow a leaf from those who had been donating in cash and kind to the troops, noting that such financial assistance can be channeled through the Chief of Defence Staff, National Security Adviser or the Minister of Defence.
The donor, Oyetunde, said he was moved by the plight of troops in the hands of members of the Boko Haram sect.