14th December, 2022
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, has reiterated the stance of Nigerian armed forces to remain apolitical and professional during the 2023 general elections.
Irabor stated this when the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr Yakubu Maikyau, led members of the association on a courtesy visit to the Defence Headquarters on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said that the military had been working with the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide security during the election period.
“By virtue of our assessment, we have been able to put in place a contingent that will enable us to be of assistance to the police, if the need arises.
“We have also taken measures by virtue of focused training to ensure that, if the need be, we assist the police in the course of the election.
“Not only will we be professional, but the armed forces also remains apolitical and unbiased.
“That is the commitment that we are making to Nigerians; they should have faith in the declaration that we have made.
“We remain subject to the civil authority; we are men and women of the law, obeying the constitution and ensuring that the democratic values are protected and advanced,” he said.
Irabor stressed that the armed forces had maintained an upward trajectory since 1999, adding that it had continued to evaluate itself on performance and the level it needs to attain.
He said that there was the need for partnership with organisations such as the NBA for the greater good of the country.