Publisher of Thisday newspaper, Chief Nduka Obaigbena has called on the Nigerian military to stop arresting civilians protesters.
He also admonished the military to stop protecting electoral riggers but go after criminal elements in the country.
Obaigbena said a free and fair elections would deepen democracy and enthrone a government that would be accountable, and as a result, there would be no protest in the country.
He stated this on Thursday while speaking as the special guest of honour at the 2024 third quarter Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation, NACMC, Media Chat held in Makurdi, Benue State capital.
“Peace is very necessary for development. Our soldiers sacrifices their lives everyday to give us peace,” he said.
Obaigbena appealed to the Nigerian Government to ensure proper funding of the Armed Forces, adding that at least, 25 percent of the national budget should be directed to security and the Armed Forces.
“We spend so much money on national security, we spend so much money on national satellite technologies and across the board, we have to look at national security as a whole government approach.
“Why are we still importing bullets, importing arms, AK-47 and the likes? So we have to integrate our whole defense infrastructure with out technological infrastructure to keep us safe and protect Nigerians from the new world order.”
He urged Nigerians to continue to encourage the engagement between the military and the media to foster national development.
Earlier in his speech, the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja stated that the Army is fostering collaborative partnerships across Nigeria, resulting to the present successes being recorded across multiple theatres in the country.
He further said that the cooperation being enjoyed by the Military has led to the neutralization of several terrorists and their leaders and the rescue of some abducted Nigerians in recent times.
Lagbaja who was represented by the Commander 4 Special Force Command, Major General Hilary Nzan, said the military had assisted in the restoration of socio-economic activities in some crisis-ridden communities.
“These include the neutralization of several terrorists and their leaders, the rescue of some abducted Nigerians, and the restoration of socioeconomic activities in affected communities, leading to the return of internally displaced persons to their ancestral homes.
“Our efforts have also significantly boosted crude oil production while enhancing food security through special patrols and escort duties that enable farmers to cultivate their crops.
“The media remain a crucial link between the military and the public to ensuring accountability and fostering mutual trust.Despite the significant progress made in improving communication and media engagement, ‘challenges persist, and forums like this help address some of these challenges in the relationship,” he said.
On his part, Benue State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Matthew Abo called for sustained harmonious collaboration between the media and the military to enhance unity, peace and development of the country.
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