By Mohammad Tijjani
Kaduna – The Minister of Defence, Brig.-Gen., Mansur Dan-Ali (Rtd), on Friday charged personnel of the Nigerian Air Force to submit to civil authority and protect Nigeria’s democracy.
Dan-Ali, gave the charge during the passing out parade and commissioning of Direct Short Service Course 25/2016 Cadets at NAF Base Kaduna.
The minister who was the reviewing officer, stressed that the administration’s main goal was to “build capacities in all areas to enable the Nigerian Armed Forces adequately perform their statutory tasks.
“Ever since, we have remained focused as evidenced in the overall performance of the Armed Forces in effort in tackling the enormous security challenges confronting our dear nation.
”As you are aware the armed forces of Nigeria has made tremendous efforts to stamp out terrorism and insurgency perpetrated by Boko Haram insurgents in the North East.
” Equally, in recent times we have had to contend with other emerging challenges of cattle rustling, renewed militancy in the Niger Delta, kidnapping and other acts of criminality across the country.
“It is gratifying to state that the capacity of the insurgents to lunch coordinate massive attack has been sufficiently degraded through the coordinated effort of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
“Therefore as you pass out today, I urge all of you to be prepared to play your part in defending the territorial integrity of our great nation and protecting lives and property.”
The minister said the air personnel must continue to support the Federal Government in its policy thrust to improve the economic, social and political wellbeing of Nigerians.
He charged them to imbibe the culture of doing more with less and embrace the policy of zero tolerance to corruption and human right abuses.
Dan-Ali, reminded the graduating officers to subject themselves to military and civil law.
“You must avoid over zealousness and resist temptation to take law into your hand.
“You must also obey your superiors and remain absolutely loyal to the President and Commander -in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The News Agency of Nigeria report that no fewer than 99 cadet officers graduated at the event.