In a significant statement today, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief Of Army Staff (COAS) of Nigeria, affirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to upholding democracy. Speaking at the seminar of the Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary in Abuja, Gen Lagbaja emphasized that the military has no plans to interfere with the nation’s democratic process.
Gen Lagbaja made it clear that the Nigerian Army is dedicated to defending the constitution and will not suspend it under any circumstances. He stressed the importance of elected leaders leading the country while the military fulfills its constitutional duties.
“Permit me to seize this opportunity to reiterate that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, particularly the Nigerian Army, has come to terms with the country’s choice of democracy as the preferred system of governance,” Gen Lagbaja stated.
He continued, “We are therefore agents of democracy and have no desire to truncate it. The Nigerian Army will continue to defend our constitution and not suspend it for whatever reason.”
The COAS urged officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to maintain professionalism and uphold the highest standards as they carry out their constitutional duties.
The remarks by Gen Lagbaja come at a time when speculations are high and there are concerns about the stability of Nigeria’s democracy. His reassurance regarding the military’s commitment to democracy is expected to allay fears and foster confidence in the nation’s democratic institutions.
