Members of the National Peace Committee for the 2015 General Elections, led by the Chairman Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar (Rtd), have visited the Defence Headquarters to convey their satisfaction with the Nigerian Armed Forces for the professional and unbiased manner with which it conducted itself before, during and after the 2015 general elections.

Speaking during the visit, Gen Abubakar expressed the committee’s confidence in the non-partisanship of the military while discharging its constitutional responsibility with regards to the general elections.

He also congratulated the Chief of Defence Staff on the current successes being recorded by the gallant troop of the armed forces in their counter terrorism operation in the North East of the country.

Abubakar noted that Nigerian military and police had a history of creating positive impact anywhere they serve in United Nations mission. This, according to him, have made members of the Nigerian Armed Forces veterans of peacekeeping as they have creditably done this through the protection of the constitution and the country by land, sea and air. He also prayed for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes.

On the role of the military during elections, the Peace Committee urged the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh to enhance professionalism in the conduct of the Nigerian military and to shun rascality, taking of sides or the idea of personal preference.

The former Head of State of Nigeria, charged the military to remain true to their constitutional duties by creating conducive environment for people to cast their votes without fear, harassment and intimidation.

“All of you in one way or the other are veterans of peacekeeping, I am not surprised that through your leadership, the military has been able to safeguard this country. I am happy you have been able to do that creditably. This Committee doffs its hat for all of you. The electoral process is not yet over, it has to be continued and perfected; we are calling on you to continue to enhance professionalism in the conduct of the Nigerian military during elections. “Therefore, no rascality, no taking of sides and no idea of personal preference. You have to remain true to your professionalism and create a climate that is conducive for Nigerians to exercise their own constitutional rights to vote without fear, harassment and intimidation “, he concluded.

In his response, the Chief of Defence Staff expressed appreciation to the committee for the visit and for their words of encouragement.

He noted that the importance of the visit cannot be overemphasized knowing that the military has exceeded the expectations of the populace and thus receives this “pat on the back” from this highly distinguished committee.

He also maintained that Nigerian Armed Forces is thriving to be the best in the world and assured the committee that the performance of the military will be replicated if not better or improved upon.

“We are products of democracy and we cannot truncate the system that brought us. Military regime is gone and gone forever. I am promising that we will replicate it even better. That is why we are very happy. As our democracy grows, there might be challenges here and there but we are Armed Forces of Nigeria and not Armed Forces of any political party or anybody. We remain apolitical and subordinated to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

Commenting on the significance of the visit, the former Chief of General Staff and Deputy Chairman of the group, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe rtd, noted that it is fair and proper that the military is recognised for their role and for the way they have carried them out those roles.

He stressed that as Peace Committee and having got semblance of peace now, the Committee wants to recognise and thank the Chief of Defence Staff and service Chiefs on behalf of the Armed Forces for having done their job very well.

Other members of the Committee, who were at the Defence Headquarters for the historic visit includeed, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, the Catholic Bishop of Abuja, Primate Nicholas Oko, Primate of Anglican Church in Nigeria, Senator Ben Obi, Special Adviser to President on Inter party Affairs, Dr Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, Justice Roseline Ukeje, retired Justice of the Federal High Court, Mrs Priscilla Kuye, former President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Prof Ibrahim Gambari, a retired Diplomat, among others.

On hand to receive the Committee at the Defence Headquarters with the Chief of Defence Staff are the Service Chiefs and Principal Staff Officers at the Defence Headquarters.

•Photo shows Abdulsalami Abubakar.

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