2023 Elections: Armed Forces Firmly Behind Police – CDS

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, has said the military was ready to back the Police and other internal security agencies to ensure a smooth electoral process in the 2023 general elections.

General Irabor disclosed this to journalists on Sunday after a wreath-laying ceremony in Abuja to mark the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

According to him, although the Police will remain the frontline security outfit during the exercise, the Armed Forces will support it from the rear.

The CDS said, “I’m sure you know that the Police are on the lead. I have been discussing with the IG (Inspector-General of Police) and of course, we’ve also made contingencies should we be required to give support to the Police as the election is conducted.

“I think for Nigerians, be rest assured that the Armed Forces remain solidly behind the Police to be able to give them all the support as required.”

He also assured Nigerians that the country’s democracy faces no threat from a military coup as seen in some African states recently.

Irabor added: “Democracy has come to stay. Government of the people, by the people and for the people in Nigeria has come to stay. That is an assurance.”

The Defence Chief said the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emboldens members of the Armed Forces to play their part in defending their country.

“Remembrance Day celebration is not a day of mourning. It is the day that we need to give thanks to God; that men and women of this great nation once served, are serving and will continue to serve this country.

“That we have that level of love for country that men and women have committed to and, if need be, sacrifice their lives so that the rest of us can be alive. I think it’s a worthy thing.

“The fact that one has been appreciated motivates one. And I think that is the message that has gone across the length and breadth of the members of the Armed Forces. So, we’re more motivated to continue to play our part,” he stated.

Earlier, President Muhammadu Buhari led senior government officials at the wreath-laying ceremony to mark the finale of this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration.

The 2023 wreath-laying ceremony is his last for President Buhari as Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

He also inspected the Guards of Honour, accompanied by the Commander, Brigade of Guards, Maj-Gen. Muhammad Usman, after which he proceeded to the Cenotaph for the Wreath-Laying Ceremony proper.

Prayers were offered for the departed and their families by the Director, Nigerian Navy Religious Affairs, Commander Robert Oparaji, Director of Islamic Affairs, Nigerian Airforce, Air Commodore Luqman Abiodun, and acting Director Chaplain Services, Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Bilson Newton.

Other dignitaries, who laid wreaths after President Buhari included Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola.

Others included the pair of the Ministers of Defence and the Federal Capital Territory, Maj-Gen. Bashir Magashi and Muhammed Bello, respectively; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor and the Service Chiefs and well as the Inspector-General General of Police, Usman Baba; representatives of the Diplomatic Corps; and the pair of the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion and widow of a fallen soldier, Cynthia Ubah.

Also in attendance were members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; the President’s Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari; the National Security Adviser, Maj-Gen Babagana Monguno (retd), and Permanent Secretaries; amongst others.