ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – President Goodluck Jonathan has described those who bring the Nigerian military into the nation’s political activities as reckless.
He insisted that the nation’s armed forces must be appreciated by all Nigerians and be insulated from politics, adding that he is always saddened by comments from individuals especially elder statesmen, insulting the nation’s military.
Jonathan, who spoke while receiving a cheque of N1 million from Mr. Dotun Oyetunde, in support of the nation’s armed forces shortly before the commencement of the Security Council meeting, said nations that Nigeria build its democracy after do not behave in that manner.[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”10″]
According to him, “We must continue to commend men of the Nigerian armed forces. A nation must honour men of its armed forces.
“All the nations that we emulate and build our democracy after do not insult their military.
“They must be appreciated and isulated from politics. I feel bad when leaders robe military into our day to day political activities. That is reckless.
“These men stay in the rain while we are under roofs. They stay awake for us to sleep well.”
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President Jonathan acknowledged the supports the military is currently receiving from Nigerians, even as he specifically commended youth groups that have took to the streets to demonstrate their in support for the nation’s military and their fight against terror in the north east.
The President called on other Nigerians to follow suit and donate both in cash and kind to the troops.
He said such assistance could be channeled through the Chief of Defence Staff, National Security Adviser or the Minister of Defence.
In his remarks, the donor said he and his wife were moved by the plight of troops in the hands of members of the Boko Haram sect.
He said he was surprised that everybody seemed to be criticising the military and are seeing Boko Haram as political as if the insurgents ask for their victims’ political affiliations before attacking them.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, while introducing the donor, told the President that the military had received various donations such as drugs, bags of rice and cartons of instant noodles among others.
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He said when he received Oyetunde’s message, he discussed with the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), who suggested that the donor should be brought to personally present the cheque to the President during the meeting.