Jonathan chides critics of military, Nigerian donates N1m to armed forces
President Goodluck Jonathan
President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday chided critics of the nation’s military over the anti-terrorists operations in the North east, saying any leader who ropes in the armed forces in the politics of gaining political power to govern the country is reckless.
According to him, rather than denigrating and dressing the military in any political garb, men of the armed forces should be appreciated by all Nigerians and be insulated from politics.
Jonathan, who spoke at the State House in Abuja while receiving a cheque of N1 million donated by a Nigerian, Mr. Dotun Oyetunde, to the military in appreciation of the recent successes being recorded against Boko Haram insurgents in the North East, said he always felt bad whenever he heard people make derogatory comments about the nation’s military, noting that countries that Nigeria builds its democracy after do not behave in that manner.
“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 insulated from politics. I feel bad when leaders rope in military in 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. We acknowledge the supports the military is currently receiving from Nigerians.,” the president said.
At the presentation of the cheque before the national security council meeting went into closed-door session yesterday, President Jonathan specifically commended youth groups that have been demonstrating in support of the troops, urging other Nigerians to borrow a leaf from those who have been donating 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.
The donor said he and his wife were moved by the plight of the troops in the hands of members of the Boko Haram sect. Oyetunde said he was surprised that some and groups seemed to be criticising the military and are seeing Boko Haram insurgency 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.
He said when he received Oyetunde’s message, he discussed with the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.), who suggested that the donor should be brought to personally present the cheque to the President during the meeting.
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18 Comments
Of all the troubles of Nigeria’s tempestuous political environment that I have yet seen, there is none as dangerous, naïve and bereft of wisdom as the derogatory reference to the military by some (supposed) citizens of Nigeria. Its like one trying to undermine his own white blood cells……be wise…be matured
Nigerian military have done well in the fight against this insurgency and we are grateful to them. Some times i just imagine if it is me or my brothers fighting those guys out there. The sleepless nights and so many things out there are dangerous.
We should learn to appreciate our own not criticizing them, they have given us their best and it is brining forth good result.
If all Nigerians can support these Nigerian military men and women, they will do better and give their all for the protection of our life. Our military are really trying to win this fight against and should be commended for that. They done well.
Most of them haven’t even held or seen a gun, but all they do is criticize, our soldiers are trying. its not easy at all.
How is this negativity and criticism helping us, our soldiers need our support in any way we can, they’ve put their blood sweat tears in this, i commend their effort none the less, and we shall conquer this foe in due time, the insurgency will surely come to an end.
I think this criticism has turned to an habit,its sporadic, well keep it up armed forces. your valour is admired.
Any pioneer who ropes in the military in the legislative issues of increasing political force to represent the nation is foolhardy.
God Bless our armed force men!
President Jonathan has overtime demonstrated the qualities of a true democrat and not a reformed one.. Like from a dictator to a fake ideoligy of changed democrat overnight.
very soon boko haram will be history
God bless our armed forces
our military you are doing wonderfully well GOD bless you
Boko haram has become a thing of the past thanks to the Nigerian military
kudos to the Nigerian military, they have never failed to protect this great country,may GOD bless and grant them victory in all their endeavors
AMEN!!!!
Our troops are doing a very good job in the fight so far.
Very soon Bokoharam and APC will be history. Shame on Buhari, Thievienubu et al
We will review and take appropriate action.