CSOs tell critics of service chiefs to emphasise national security

Amidst calls for the sack of the service chiefs following increasing insecurity in the country, the Conference of Civil Society Organisations for Peace, Security and National Development has called for a deep reflection about the security situation in the country.

The CSOs at a solidarity rally held in Abuja during the weekend, argued that many people calling for the head of the service chiefs based their position on career progression while others were completely ignorant about the gains that have been made in the last four years.

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Speaking to journalists during the match, conveners of the group comprising of over 90 CSOs, Mike Msuaan and Adamu Matazu, maintained that a cursory review of the efforts in fighting insurgency would reveal the dexterity deployed by the military, particularly the Nigeria Army in curbing insecurity in the north east and other parts of the country.

“A lot has been achieved by this crop of services chiefs not just in taming insurgents, but restructuring the military architecture for enhanced performance. Today, our military is highly placed in the world.

“More than ever before, the Nigeria military has prioritised training and retraining of its officers and men in modern warfare. Welfare of personnel has equally been given a boost as well as the procurement of equipment just to mention a few.

“For we, who have followed closely the trend in the fight against insurgency, we can categorically say that the military has performed beyond average. This is why we find it expedient to commend the military, particularly the army and urge all patriotic citizens to rally round the military for the overall good of the nation.

“Agreed that the service chiefs have outlived their tenure, yet we must not be lost in the fact that in war times, even retired personnel can be recalled to serve. This is where reason has to prevail over primordial sentiments.

“Nigeria is going through a trying period and as such, we cannot be talking about career progression of individuals, but the survival of the soul of the nation.

“Today, incidences of bombs detonating in our worship places, markets and other strategic places are almost completely eliminated. We herein call on the National Assembly and other pressure groups that have prioritised career progression by calling for the sack of military chiefs to do a review of the gains that have been recorded in securing the nation, and rescind such calls,” the conveners stated.

The group regretted that the insurgents seem to have restrategized in view of recent attacks, but warned that a change in the leadership of the service chiefs could be detrimental at this point. The least expected of patriotic citizens at the moment is to show solidarity with the military.

“We were all witnesses to the reaction that greeted the pronouncement by the federal government of plans to withdraw the military from the north east. The whole nation was unanimous of the need for the military to stay longer in the troubled region. This is a testimony that significant feat have been recorded in the fight against insurgency.

“We call on the army to intensify this onslaught on criminals across the country. The Nigerian Army must sustain their gallantry within the rules of engagement and should never allow criminals frustrate the success recorded so far.

“Security is the concern of all Nigerians. We therefore, appeal to Nigerians not to dampen the morale of the Nigerian military especially when criminals attack. We must show solidarity with the army believing that they are out to protect our communities.  

“Criminals live in a society; they don’t exist in a vacuum. Nigerians must therefore, collaborate with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to volunteer information on the hide-outs and whereabouts of these criminals trusting that such criminal hide-outs will be busted,” the group added.