National
Insecurity: I’ll use state power to secure Nigerians– Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday made a commitment to Nigerians to deploy state power for their security.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of Senior Course 45 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna, the President said he had given himself the charge to ensure the security of citizens’ lives and property.
”As Commander-in-Chief, I have given myself the following charge: to deploy the entire machinery of state power to ensure security of our people and property in a just and democratic society,” he said.
”Under my predecessor, the Armed Forces worked tirelessly toward necessary reforms to enhance combat effectiveness and operational capability. We must now pick up the pace,” he added.
The President also advocated a new approach by Nigeria and its neighbours in the Lake Chad Region to the security challenge they currently face, in view of the unconventional nature of the threats.
He said the affected countries needed to rewrite their military doctrines and practices in the battle against “mobile and elusive irregular force” that disregards established rules of warfare.
”We must also be brave enough to reform military doctrine and practice. We do not face a conventional army on the traditional field of battle. No, we contend against mobile, elusive irregular forces that disdain the normal rules of warfare,” he was quoted as saying by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, Mr. Dele Alake.
”We must adjust accordingly to subdue the menace. This shall require a change in mindset, in strategy, in tactics in equipment and in gear”, he added, while encouraging African countries to work together against common threats.
Acknowledging the multinational efforts of Nigeria, Cameroon, the Niger Republic and Chad to bring peace to the Lake Chad region, Tinubu stressed that the collaboration should serve as a commendable example to be emulated and improved on wherever necessary.
The President also used the occasion to spell out his National Security Objective, saying it would focus on ensuring security, justice, and democratic prosperity through state power.
He also took note of the commitment of the immediate past government in enhancing the combat readiness of the Armed Forces, and pledged to “pick up the pace,” by providing the necessary support to the military.
His words: ”As Commander-in-Chief, I have given myself the following charge: to deploy the entire machinery of state power to ensure security of our people and property in a just and democratic society.
”Under my predecessor, the Armed Forces worked tirelessly toward necessary reforms to enhance combat effectiveness and operational capability. We must now pick up the pace,” he said.
President Tinubu described the role of the armed forces in combating Africa’s greatest challenge of violence and exploitation as crucial, urging them to defend the continent from geopolitical changes and resource competition.
Continuing, he said: ”We live in a moment of flux. Geopolitical change is afoot. Old alliances and assumptions are being tested as new ones are being shaped. Trade and global economic activity are fast, yet fragile and easily disrupted by war, weather or pandemic.
”Underlying it all is the often unspoken but urgent competition for precious resources. Water, food, gold, oil and other items have all been placed in contest.
”In too many instances, the contest turns violent. Areas that should blossom into economic prosperity and hope become factories of pillage and oppression.
”In Africa, this condition is perhaps our greatest challenge and harshest injustice.”
He told the 291 graduating officers drawn from Nigeria’s Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as students from Asia and sister Africa nations that their role combating in this grave evil was crucial, saying: “For we call on you to defend not only our land and resources but our people and their democratic existence.
”Your training was sculpted to fit the imperatives of our times.”
He told the non-Nigerian graduands that their presence in Nigeria underscored the fact that national security is not solely achieved through muscle and might but also in building friendships and alliances based on cooperation, justice, good governance and mutual respect.
”Notwithstanding the demands of your training, I hope you have enjoyed our customary Nigerian friendliness as well because Nigeria is one of the most hospitable countries you can find. We have opened our arms like friends and brothers to you,” he said.
”To the graduating students from Nigeria’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies, you have warranted the confidence of your respective organisations.
”The knowledge gained here will prove invaluable in our mission to harmonize all aspects of government policy and programs toward the twin goals of national security and national prosperity,” he said.
The President also commended the college’s efforts in curricula improvement and facility upgrade, encouraging the graduates to stand brave and unwavering in their constitutional responsibilities as defenders of the nation.
”I leave you with a charge much like the one I gave myself. Your nation has invested much in your training.
”Much faith has been placed upon your broad shoulders. Our collective safety rests in your hands.
”Your graduation today is a call to greater duty for the nation you love. May you stand brave and unwavering in the discharge of your constitutional responsibilities, and may you always do honour to the sterling name of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College.”
At the ceremony, many of the participants who distinguished themselves were awarded various prizes. Squadron Leader S.S Yikawe got both the Chief of Defence Staff Award (Department of Joint Studies) and Chief of Air Staff Award (Department of Air Warfare) prize. Major A.A Bako was awarded the Chief of Army Staff Award (Department of Land Warfare) while Surg Lt Cdr. K.O Nwagwu got the prize for Chief of Naval Staff Award (Department of Maritime Warfare).
Dr. K.O Adams got the prize for the Commandant’s Award for Best Non-military Student. Major PJ Nartey from Ghana won the Commandant’s Award for Best International Student.
Present at the colourful occasion were Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, all the Service Chiefs and members of the Diplomatic Corps.
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