Lagos — President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday in Kaduna vowed to continue to deploy the military to quell ethnic and religious violence, and described those advocating that the military should not be used for such assignment as mischief makers bent on scuttling our new found democracy.

In a message to the opening of the annual Chief of Army Staff Conference in Kaduna the President noted that even the United States of America which is the bastion of democracy had to call out the military during the Los Angeles riots of 1992 when the situation got out of hand.

Represented by Defence Minister, Gen. T. Y. Danjuma (rtd.), the President said "we shall not be deterred by the detractors of democracy in our efforts to provide security to Nigerians to let them carry out their legitimate businesses without fear, let or hindrance."

He emphasised that democracy was on trial in Nigeria, adding that "we must not allow our detractors to succeed."

Speaking on the theme of the conference, "Managing The Evolving Security Threats under a Democratic Setting," the President said: "The theme could not have come at a better time than now when international terrorism has added a new dimension to world peace and security."

"Nobody can assume to be very safe even in his own bedroom or office. The use of biological chemical and even threat of nuclear weapon has endangered mankind.

"Internally, the threats to national security has assumed a new dimension.

Threats to national security starting early in the life of this administration in the riverine areas in form of youth agitations and reactions to perceived marginalisation of oil producing areas by the government.

"Today it is not just youth agitations but ethno-religious crisis, which by any standards are more difficult to manage and control. The proportion of destruction of lives and property which occurs within a very short period whenever these crises erupt are unimaginable."

Wondering why some Nigerians were advocating that military should not be used to quell riots, the President said: "While searching for solutions to the myriad of security problems, we shall be failing in our responsibilities if we do not use the military when situations get out of hand."

"In fact, even recently after the September 11 terrorists attacks, the National Guard and the reservists were called out to assist the regular force in providing security to the citizens," he said, adding that "no responsible government will fold its arms and watch, as it citizens are being slaughtered and burnt like animals."

Continuing he said, "the military is an instrument of state policy and constitutionality. It is tasked with the responsibility of aiding civil authority in maintaining law and order."

"The police is currently being re-oriented and equipped to carry out its responsibility of detecting, preventing and fighting crime," he added.

Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Alexander Ogomudia in his address said: "The army since its re-professionalism has successfully conducted its scheduled field exercises at both unit and formation levels. "These successes were as a result of my directive on assumption of office for series of summons for GOCs Brigade Commands and unit commands aimed at jump-starting training at all levels."

He noted that provision of aid to civil authority was in line with constitutional provision, adding that "this is with a view to restoring normalcy and preventing anarchy which is a threat to our nascent democracy."