The National Coalition for Peace in Nigeria (NCPN) has urged the Nigerian Armed Forces not to rest on their oars until all the security challenges in the country are nipped in the bud.
The Coalition said the call follows the realisation that relative peace returned to the country recently, especially, during the peaceful Easter celebrations across the country and almost violence-free general elections.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the National President NCPN, Rev. Ndubuisi Nwogu said despite security challenges, the military has continued to display a high sense of professionalism and loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Insisting that the unity of Nigeria remains sacrosanct, Rev Nwogu maintained that the desire for a united Nigeria has continued to dominate the national discourse and can only be achieved through efforts of stakeholders like the armed offices.
He said the introduction of reforms by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Lucky Irabor culminated in the peace and tranquillity enjoyed in the country today.
The cleric said in the past, the military was accused of partisanship and lack of professionalism but recently troops have begun to display an all-new level of patriotism, dedication, and service to the nation.
He said, “It is a statement of the fact that the tension and apprehensions over the fate of the country in the keenly contested elections were palpable. So much so that we feared for the worse. But we thank God for his mercies upon Nigeria.
“The National Coalition for Peace in Nigeria recognizes the efforts of critical stakeholders in ensuring that the enemies of Nigeria planned to use the apprehensions about the elections to ignite an ethnoreligious war to fulfil their long-time desire to destabilize and disintegrate the country.
“The unity of Nigeria remains sacrosanct and this indeed has been our watchword hence the numerous advocacies to individuals, groups and religious and ethnic associations across the country. The desire for a united Nigeria continued to dominate the national discourse, which is attainable through the efforts of stakeholders, including the Nigerian Military and other sister security agencies.
” The recent seamless collaboration amongst security agencies is a testament to one of the leadership qualities of General LEO Irabor since he assumed office as the Chief of Defence Staff.
“As a group, we pledge our continued and unflinching support to the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. God, in his infinite mercies, will grant the leadership of our security agencies the grace and wisdom to lead in a manner that would be beneficial to the country at large.”
