The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa has urged Nigerians to see the military as a partner in progress, and not as an occupation force that is alien to the people it is meant to serve and protect.
General Musa stated this in Abuja yesterday, at the Maiden Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Civil-Military Relation Conference, with the theme: “Winning Hearts and Minds: Non-Kinetic Approaches to National Security”.
According to him, historically the relationship between the military and the civilian population has, at times, been characterised by suspicion, fear, and mistrust.
Musa said the military’s foray into politics with coup and counter coups was responsible for the mistrust. “This unfortunate legacy has often hampered our ability to effectively work together, particularly in times of crisis or national emergency. The military has been seen not as a partner in progress, but as an occupying force, alien to the people it is meant to serve and protect”, he stated
The CDS noted that even though this perception exists, concerted efforts must be made from both the military and the larger society to change it.
He said, “The reality is that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are a constitutionally established institution, deeply rooted in democratic principles and accountable to the Nigerian people”.
General Musa charged Nigerians to take ownership of the country by getting involved. He also tasked commanders to protect communities they are deployed to protect.
Earlier, Chief of Civil-Military Relations at the Defence Headquarters, Rear-Admiral Olusanya Bankole, said the event marked a significant milestone in the military’s ongoing commitment towards a “people-centric” concept championed by the Chief of Defence Staff.
“This conference has been convened to help change negative narratives about the Nigerian Armed Forces. It is an avenue to advance non-kinetic strategies and tools of peace, dialogue, outreach, and engagements that will restore trust and rebuild the vital bridge between the military and the civilians we are sworn to serve”, Rear Admiral Bankole said.
