Coups In Nigeria, No Way! – CDS Irabor Assures
- Buhari, Osinbajo, others lay wreath for fallen heroes
BY EDMOND ODOK – The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, says Nigerians can relax assuredly because the era of coups d’etat in the country is now gone for good.
Consequently, he assured that the military would assist the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to provide security during this year’s general elections if only such a need arises.
Addressing reporters at the National Arcade in Abuja during this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day graced by President Muhammadu Buhari and many top government functionaries, General Irabor said: “Democracy has come to stay; a government of the people, by the people and for the people has come to stay.”
The CDS, who dismissed fears about any coup talks in the country, confidently said; “That is an assurance”, and went further to explain that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day was not for mourning but celebrating the nation’s heroes.
General Irabor also spoke on soldiers’ involvement in the forthcoming general election, saying; “I have been discussing with the IG (Inspector-General of Police). We’ve also made contingencies should we be required to give support to the police as the election is conducted.
“Rest assured that the Armed Forces remain solidly behind the police to give them all the support as required.”
On this year’s Remembrance Day celebration, the CDS said; “It is the day that we need to give thanks to God; that men and women of this great nation once served, are serving and will continue to serve this country.
“We have that level of love for the country; that men and women have committed to and, if need be, sacrifice their lives so that the rest of us can live. I think it’s a worthwhile thing.
“So, today, it’s quite a very unique day, that the nation has set it aside to value, to place a premium on the services and honouring the services of men or women of our great country”.
According to him, “Going forward, the fact that one has been appreciated motivates one, and I think that message has gone across the length and breadth of the members of the Armed Forces.
“So, we’re more motivated to continue to play our part. The veterans should also know that their services are not in vain.”
Earlier in the day, President Buhari had led other top government officials to the Wreath Laying Ceremony in celebration of the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
Celebrated annually to honour the memory of Nigeria’s fallen heroes, the Day is marked nationwide with series of activities and programmes that include religious services, parades and wreath-laying ceremonies.
Arriving at the National Arcade at about 10:05 am, President Buhari was immediately ushered onto the dais for the National Salute and later inspected the Guards of honour, accompanied by the Brigade of Guards Commander, Maj-General Muhammad Takuti Usman.
Thereafter, the President proceeded to the cenotaph for the wreath-laying ceremony and among other dignitaries who laid wreaths in honour of the fallen heroes and unknown soldiers were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan; the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon Justice Olukayode Ariwoola; and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila
