The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, has vowed that the military will not overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu. He made this declaration on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the COAS Combined 2nd and 3rd Quarters Conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Lagbaja stated that the Nigerian Army has built a new prestige over the past 25 years by allowing safe democratic rule and will not allow itself to be used to undemocratically bring some interests to power. He attributed the calls for military intervention to young Nigerians who did not experience the country’s past military rule.
The Army Chief also highlighted the government’s support for the military, including the recent purchase of two Bell UH-1 Huey helicopters equipped with advanced sensors and enablers. He also mentioned the welfare of widows and family members of fallen heroes, which remains on course.
Lagbaja also addressed the recent nationwide hunger protest, stating that it was an eye-opener that food and social security issues can snowball into physical security challenges. He pledged the Army’s resolve to review its agricultural policy and provide security cover for farmers in critical farming communities.