Army pledges loyalty to Buhari, democracy

By Tunde Adetunji , Abuja
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Buratai has said the Nigerian Army under his watch would remain apolitical in the discharge of its duties and for the sustenance of democracy.
To this end, Buratai said the Nigerian Army pledges loyalty to President Muhammadu Buhari, who is the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to the sustenance of democracy.
Recall that Buratai had raised the alarm of a coup plot in the country alleging that some politicians were romancing soldierd to overthrown the present administration.
The Chief of Army Staff stated this at the Inter-Denominational Church Service to mark the annual Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) with the theme: “Sustaining the Successes of the Nigerian Army in Tackling Contemporary and Emerging Security Challenges”, at the weekend in Abuja.
Represented by Chief of Policy and Plans, Maj. Gen. Chris Jemitola, he noted that the Nigerian Army has achieved a lot in the fight against insurgents and other internal security operations, adding that the Army would continue to do all they can to consolidate on the successes achieved thus far.
Buratai said: “I want to use this medium to acknowledge and to thank all officers and soldiers for their tireless contributions in making the Nigerian Army victorious in the fight against insurgents and in other internal security operations.
“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.
“On this great occasion, I want to on behalf of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army rare 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,” he said.
According to him, it is his desire to transform the Nigerian Army into a more  potent and responsive Force that will effectively curtail contemporary security challenges, stressing that the issues of training and welfare of its personnel would be taken seriously.
He added that the Army would continue to do its best in ensuring that all officers and soldiers including their families are well taken care of, while urging officers and soldiers to remain focused, disciplined and loyal to constituted authority in ensuring that they carry out their roles effectively.
“This is very much in my vision which is to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles. Let us all ensure to continue to give our best in the discharge of our duties to our fatherland,” he said
Buratai, however, prayed for the officers and soldiers who paid the supreme price in the course of serving their fatherland, saying “Our hearts are with their families and may the almighty continue to grant them eternal rest.”