Coalition Lauds Military Over Peaceful Polls, Easter Celebration

National Coalition for Peace in Nigeria (NCPN) has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces led by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Lucky Irabor for ensuring peaceful Easter celebrations and the just concluded general elections.

The coalition said the tireless efforts of troops and other security agents have not gone unnoticed, which was evident in the harmonious festivity.

At a press conference in Abuja, NCPN national president Rev. Ndubuisi Nwogu said under General Irabor, the military had displayed a high sense of professionalism and loyalty to  the Federal Republic of Nigeria when it mattered most.

While describing CDS as a charismatic leader, Nwogu said Irabor had introduced laudable reforms that culminated in the peace and tranquility now being enjoyed in the country.

The cleric said in the past, the military was accused of partisanship and lack of professionalism in discharging its duties.

However, with Irabor at the saddle, he said troops had displayed an all-new level of patriotism, dedication, and service to the nation.

He said, “It gives me great pleasure to address this press conference in commendation of the efforts of the armed forces and other security agencies in maintaining law and order during and after the just concluded general elections across the country.

“It is a statement of the fact that the tension and apprehensions over the fate of the country in the keenly contested elections were palpable. So much so that we feared for the worse. But we thank God for his mercies upon Nigeria.

“The National Coalition for Peace in Nigeria recognizes the efforts of critical stakeholders in ensuring that the enemies of Nigeria planned to use the apprehensions about the elections to ignite an ethnoreligious war to fulfill their long-time desire to destabilize and disintegrate the country.

“The unity of Nigeria remains sacrosanct, and this indeed has been our watchword hence the numerous advocacies to individuals, groups and religious and ethnic associations across the country. The desire for a united Nigeria continued to dominate the national discourse, which is attainable through the efforts of stakeholders, including the Nigerian Military and other sister security agencies.

“We appreciate the leadership strides of the chief of defence staff, General Lucky Irabor, under whose leadership the Nigerian military displayed a high sense of professionalism and loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria when it matters the most. The recent seamless collaboration amongst the security agencies is a testament to one of the leadership qualities of General Lucky Irabor since he assumed office as the chief of defence staff.

“As an organisation championing peace in Nigeria, we have interacted with the leadership of the Nigerian Military on numerous occasions, and the pledge and commitment to preserving the country’s territorial integrity have remained unflinching,” he said.