The Nigerian Army has reiterated its unalloyed loyalty and subordination to democratic governance in Nigeria.

The army said this on Monday in Calabar during a public-speaking engagement at the Government Secondary School Akim as part of the events to mark this year’s Nigerian Army Day celebration.

The Nigerian Army Day was first marked on July 6, 1978, in honour of Nigerian Army personnel that partook in the two World Wars and the Nigerian Civil War.

Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, spoke at this year’s event through Brig.-Gen. Everest Okoro, commander of the 13 Brigade, the army.

He said the Nigerian Army had remained the pride of the nation and a force to reckon with in Africa. 

Mr Okoro, represented by Lt.-Col. Adebola Adejolu, commanding officer of the 1053 Brigade Workshop, stated, “I want on behalf of the COAS to deeply express our appreciation to the president, commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for his assurances and support for the military.”

He added, “On our part, our response to your kind gesture is our unalloyed loyalty and subordination to democratic governance.”

On his part, Maj. Idris Nibras, the head of legal services at the 13 Brigade, stated that the army has a statutory role in maintaining peace and stability in the country.

Mr Nibras used the opportunity to advise the students to shun illegitimate associations, such as cult groups. According to him, cult groups have no legal backing; they are illegal organisations, and no student should allow himself to be lured into their activities.

“No principal or vice-chancellor will bless the activities of cultists in their institutions, so don’t allow anybody to deceive you, even in your local communities, to join an armed group. It is criminal,” he said.

(NAN)