Rights groups, known as Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta & Coalition of Youth Leaders for One Nigeria (COYLON), has commended the Nigerian military for its efforts in tackling insecurity in the country.
A statement jointly signed by Amb Dr Kennedy Tonjo West, President, Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta & Comrade Isaac Owoicho, National President, Coalition of Youth Leaders for One Nigeria (COYLON), praised the military for its sacrifices and dedication to ensuring the safety and security of Nigerians.
“The Nigerian military under the able leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, has given the present administration a cause to relax knowing fully well that the fight the military is involved in from all fronts is on course.
“Looking at the coordination of good administration, kinetic and non-kinetic operations, officers and men’s welfare, improved military architecture, redefining the entire response to security issues and the zero tolerance for insecurity in every nook and cranny of the country cannot be faulted.
“Little wonder diverse groups, including Nigerian youths, have commended President Tinubu for recording improved security across Nigeria way ahead of previous administrations.
“There is no doubt that the effective coordination by the CDS towards the final elimination of insurgency, banditry, militancy, oil theft in the Niger Delta region and the IPOB and Boko Haram activities gives credence to a military that is under able leadership.
“The civilian-military relationship has also improved greatly under this dispensation, leaving pundits flat on their feet, not seeing any reason to castigate the Tinubu regime.
“There is no doubt that in appraising the transformation the armed forces of Nigeria has passed through in the last year plus under the leadership of General Musa, one could easily conclude that though the country was bedeviled by serious security challenges before the advent of the Tinubu administration, the vigor and renewed strategies adopted by the CDS and his team have indeed brought some succor to a majority of Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike.
“General Musa assumed the office of Chief of Defence Staff on June 23, 2023, and ever since, he has not only shown capacity as a leader with clear-cut intentions who knows the security challenges confronting the nation but has also taken time to provide deliberate leadership and coordinated strategies to make the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force formidable from every angle.
“Looking at the high level of discipline, cohesive tactics and improved relationships that these forces are known for now, it is clear that they all believe in the transformational leader bestowed on the men and officers since June 2023.
“The level of cooperation and collaboration with other security apparatus like the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) has clearly shown the ability of the defense chief to ensure good synergy among all these organs earing the imagination of many cynics.
“When you look at the efforts brought in by the CDS to enhance the nation’s borders in collaboration with the NIS and the NCS to prevent the infiltration of criminal elements and the smuggling of illicit goods, including arms and ammunition, it is clear that this is a man that knows his onions.
“General Musa has also served as motivation to the personnel in terms of exposing them to good pieces of training, modern-day equipment and improved living conditions for the men and officers still in service and even those who have lost their lives while defending their fatherland. These initiatives have indeed boosted the morale and fostered more dedication and pride in the armed forces of Nigeria.
“Writing about the transformation the armed forces have undergone under the leadership of the CDS since his assumption of office could take more than enough pages you can imagine, but it would be apt to state the robust relationship that has been established with civilians which hitherto was fraught with suspicion between both parties.
“His communal and humanitarian activities have been openly admitted from many quarters. General Musa has ensured that the military under his watch respects human rights and has ensured constant engagement with stakeholders through dialogue to address the root course of agitations.
“Although there are still some challenges facing the armed forces, one can still conclude that there is hope in the horizon as this General from Zangon Kataf, in Kaduna State, is his engaged in steady and progressive onslaught against the forces of darkness that have terrorists Nigerians and foreigners alike for many years. General Musa has consistently assured and reassured the nation that the Nigerian Armed Forces under his leadership is committed to putting an end to the security challenges facing the country from different angles.
“For many, the Nigerian government has for once gotten it right by appointing the right set of men and women to oversee the security apparatus of the country.
“Little wonder that many groups, including one of the foremost rights groups in the Nigerian region of the Country, the Coalition of Youth Leaders for One Nigeria (COYLON) has been at the forefront of those commending the strides of General Musa as the nation’s CDS.
“COYLON which is a pressure group is an assemblage of Front line regional groups, youths and ethnic organizations across the length and breadth of the country, Non Governmental Organization, etc., advocating for good governance, unity, and development of the country as well as seeking justice, equity and fairness for all states and regions in Nigeria, youth participation in governance and propagation of one Nigeria philosophy led by Comrade Isaac Owochi.
“In the same vein, The Movement for the Survival for the Izon Ethnic Nationality n the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has heaped encomiums on the Chief of Defence Staff, nothing that since he assumed the saddle, under the leadership of the president and the NSA, there has been significant improvement in the security architecture of the country.
“The President of MOSIEND, Amb. Kennedy Tonjo West, re-iterated that by virtue of the synergy and close collaboration between the armed forces and other sister agencies, Nigeria is winning the war against the Boko Haram insurgents, bandits, illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta and all forms of terrorist acts against the country. He urged President Tinubu to continue in his support for the military under the resourceful command of the CDS, Gen. C.G. Musa.
“In the same vein, COYLON National President, Isaac Owoicho expressed happiness with the steady progress made by the CDS as supported by the various theatre commanders and service heads in putting an end to insurgency and insecurity generally in the country. He went on to commend the CDS for his openness and commitment to work with various groups working in tandem with his dream of totally stamping our insecurity.
“To the group, General Musa has indeed stamped his foot well on the sands of history as one of Nigeria’s finest officers and should be supported to do more for the Country to remain a haven for residents and visitors alike.The statement reads.
