The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, yesterday said the Army will remain solidly behind the President Muhammadu Buhari administration while also maintaining its apolitical stance.
He assured the citizens that the army is capable of defending the country’s territorial integrity when threatened.
Lt-Gen. Buratai spoke at the Nigerian Army Day Interdenominational Church Service at All Saints’ Military Church, Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja.
He insisted that the Army, under his watch, would remain loyal to the President and ensure the sustenance of the country’s growing democracy.
He, therefore, urged officers and men of the Nigerian Army to remain focus, disciplined and loyal to constituted authority and ensure that they carry out their roles effectively.
“I want to on behalf of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army reiterate our unalloyed loyalty to the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The Army will continue to remain apolitical while ensuring the sustenance of democracy,” Lt-Gen. Buratai asserted.
The Army boss was represented at the Church Service by Chief of Policy and Plans, Nigerian Army Headquarters, Abuja Maj.-Gen. Chris Jemitola.
He said it was his desire to transform the army into a more potent and responsive force that would effectively curtail contemporary security challenges.
The army chiefhailedarmy personnel for their selflessness and commitment in the ongoing fight against insurgency.
He said issues bordering on their training and welfare were being taken seriously and addressed accordingly, adding that “we will continue to do our best to ensure the comfort of our officers and soldiers including their families”.
Lt-Gen. Buratai used the occasion to acknowledge and thank officers and soldiers “for their tireless contributions in making the Nigerian Army victorious in the fight against insurgents and in other internal security operations”.
He said: “You have shown commitment, dedication, courage, resilience and the will to succeed.
“You have all done very well and I am proud to be your Chief of Army Staff. However, I will charge you to remain focus, disciplined and loyal to constituted authority while ensuring that we carry out our roles effectively.”
