Nigerian Army Says It Will Remain Undaunted In The Face Of Any Challenge
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
The Nigerian Army, NA, says it will remain undaunted in upholding its principles, professionalism and impartiality in the face of any challenge as an institution devoid of ethnic or religious bigotry
NA was reacting to an audio-visual recording circulating on various online suggesting that it is recruiting Islamic fundamentalists and jihadists as the footage falsely portrayed an officer calling on Muslim young men to join the military to protect and propagate Islam.
According to a statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, considering the gravity of the falsehood, the narrative depicted in the footage is not in any instance a reflection of the true values and standards of the NA, as it is targeted at sparking palpable anxiety and fear, sowing discord and mistrust amongst its personnel, eroding public confidence in the integrity of the NA, particularly among Christian and non-Muslim communities, who may feel their lives and faith are under threat, and ultimately engender religious crisis in the country.
The statement, urged the public to dismiss the misleading report, which evidently stems from a misconception and lack of understanding about NA’s Standing Operating Procedures, SOP, as NA’s operational and administrative processes and actions are guided by the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not ethnicity or religious sentiments.
It reiterated that any deviation from the NA’s SOP is met with appropriate disciplinary action, regardless of the personnel’s religious affiliation and called on the citizenry to rise above divisive tactics and stand united.
The statement notes that NA remains committed to serving and protecting all Nigerians, irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliations as the strength of Nigeria lies in her unity in diversity.
It called on all citizens to leverage on the unique national strength and trait that the NA seeks to protect while carrying out its constitutional responsibilities to work together and maintain the peace and unity of the nation.