The Northern Elders Forum has called on the new Service Chiefs to show real improvement in professional standards and morale of fighting men and women as well as fighting corruption within the Armed Forces.
The forum in a statement signed by the Director of publicity and advocacy Hakeem Baba-Ahmed says the change of leadership in the Armed Forces should be a signal that President Muhammadu Buhari accepts the need to effect major changes in his disposition to security issues and improvements in the nation’s capacities to deal with security and public safety.
The Forum while commending president Muhammad Buhari says the changes though belated, should be intended as a response to the persistent demands for changes at leadership levels as part of the requirements to improve professionalism, morale and integrity of command structures of the Armed Forces.
The Forum however warns the nation not be misled into thinking that these changes will dramatically change the nation’s fortunes in its fight against multiple security threats.
The Forum says the new Service Chiefs will be a lot more effective if they are inspired by a Commander-In-Chief who adopts an involved and active interests in their conduct, records and performances.
The Forum also called on President Buhari to reduce his distance from defence and security matters, and hold Service Chiefs and senior commanders accountable for successes and failures.
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The forum says the new Service Chiefs have been part of the military that has been severely challenged in the fight against a decade-old insurgency and many other threats and that the only way they can retain confidence of Nigerians is to substantially improve on the records of their predecessors.
The Forum asks the new Service Chiefs to be aware that the frustrations of Nigerians regarding access to vital weapons and criticisms from foreign and domestic monitors of the war are related to the manner the Armed Forces execute the war, and it will be important for them to lead a military which will operate with higher standards of respect for rules of engagement.
The Forum draws the nation’s attention to the need to rise in support of the leaders to reduce tensions and other threats to security.
The Events unfolding in the Southwest, particularly inflammatory comments and threats by groups and individuals represent existential threats to the whole nation.
All Nigerians must therefore eschew the temptation to tamper with sensitive matters in pursuit of narrow goals.
The Forum repeats it call on President Buhari to summon a meeting of Governors, leadership of security and intelligent services and other Nigerians with capacities to advise and assist in de-escalating tensions in the Southwest
Editor Paul Akhagbemhe
