CISA cautions against spreading acrimony within armed forces

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Citizens Initiative For Security Awareness (CISA) has warned some Civil Society Orgnisations (CSOs) to stop brewing discontent and acrimony within the nation’s armed forces.

The National Organising Secretary of CISA, Mr Zakari Mukhtar, gave the warning while briefing newsmen on Monday in Abuja.

Mukhtar accused the unnamed groups, which he described as “activists-for-hire’’ of trying to destabilise and detract military in the battle against insurgency and other criminalities across the country.

He said CISA believed that critics of military operations should show objectivity and balance in their analyses and commentaries.

According to him, CISA as a civil society group, is interested in the general security and welfare of Nigerians.

He said the group understands the grave implication of subjecting the military and security agencies to undue politicisation and demonisation of their leaderships.

He said the news conference was informed by some remarks and allegation contained in a statement by a group – ‘Coalition of Civil Society Organisations and Non-governmental Organisations’.

Mukhtar said those remarks were capable of generating discontent and acrimony in the military hierarchy and heating up the polity.

He recalled that “The statement claimed that ‘internal wrangling in the military hierarchy was impeding war against insurgency and criminality in Nigeria.

“Hiding under this curious headline, the statement went on to unmask its true intention which was to stir up discontent and acrimony among the top echelon of the military.

“The report say there seem to be ill feelings within the ranks of the military as a result of the violation of the seniority and ranking order of appointing heads of formations.’’

Mukhtar said the assertion that the appointment of Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya from Course 37 as the Chief of Army Staff, relegated the experience of the members of the course 36 was wrong.

He said the assertion was also wrong of the head of Defence Intelligence Agency, who was appointed from Course 37.

Mukhtar said that it was not in the interest of the country and armed forces for any group to offer its platform for the peddling of unsubstantiated allegations or advancement of ulterior motives.

He queried the yardstick with which the performances of the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defence Intelligence were assessed.

Mukhtar also queried the essence of trying to pitch the top echelon of the military against the other based on their courses.

He urged Nigerians to be mindful of the kind of activism they engage in, especially now.

“It is most unpatriotic, insensitive and treacherous for any so-called CSO to willfully and deliberately offer its platform and legitimacy to be used in fanning the embers of discord, discontent and acrimony within the ranks of military or any security agency.

“CISA acknowledges the very challenging security situation in the country but it is not unmindful of the efforts and commitment of the military in stemming the tide.

“We believe that the time we are in now calls for All-of-the-Nation Approach in confronting the security challenges.

“Every segment of the society is expected to contribute its quota if we must surmount the security challenges.

“It is no longer acceptable for any group to stay aloof in their comfort zones and be pointing fingers of blame or making wild allegations.

“We urge such Nigerians who are only interested in projecting and parroting setbacks and challenges encountered by our military to also join us in supporting and celebrating the various wins being recorded almost on daily basis by the troops against our adversaries,” he said.

Mukhtar said most fair-minded Nigerians who were watching and assessing the trajectory of the security challenges across the country and the efforts of the military had remained confident that the challenges would soon be surmounted.

He urged media and CSO activists to show balance in their coverage, reportage or analysis of the military operations nationwide so as to inspire hope and confidence on the people and boost the morale of the gallant troops.

He also urged Nigerians not to allow politics or any parochial consideration to compel them to thumb down the sacrifice and commitment of the troops or unduly denigrate and demonise their commanders.