Kingsley Omonobi and Patience Ogbodo
25 November 2008
Bauchi — President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua declared, yesterday, that the Nigerian Army cannot afford to relent in its internal regenerational efforts particularly if it aims to keep pace with current developments, especially as they relate to the military establishment's constitutional roles.
He made the disclosure just as the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Abdurahman Dambazau, noted that professionalism in the Nigerian Army waned tremendously due to a politicized military and her long involvement in political governance.
Yar'Adua, who was speaking at the 2008 Chief of Army Conference holding in Bauchi, stated that 'the Nigerian Army today is confronted with a twin challenge; meeting the security challenges thrown up by the realities of a fast globalizing world and functioning as an agent of change in our national, economic and political consolidation efforts'.
"How well you acquit yourselves in meeting these challenges will be determined by the degree of seriousness and dedication with which you pursue the requisite structural and institutional reform initiatives" he said, adding "I have no doubt that the renewed emphasis on high standard of training and discipline, adherence to military values, effective command and control, observance of the rule of law and excellent civil/military relations will enable the army to function effectively".
Continuing, the President said, "As you review the activities of 2008 and make projections for 2009, it is my hope that you focus on building on the gains of the reform process and move the Nigerian army to a new era on reinvigoration. In this vein, I would urge that you ensure effective command and control of personnel and equipment in your formations".
"Our nation's military has traditionally epitomized best practices in institutional adherence to the principles of due process as well as transparency and accountability. It is my hope that this conference will not only fashion out means of strengthening this tradition but also effectively integrate all the variables in the endeavor to engender a modern, effective and efficient Nigerian Army that will continue to be a pride to the nation".
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