Army reiterates commitment to democracy
The Nigerian Army on Saturday in Jos reiterated its commitment to the protection of democracy.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3rd Armoured Division, Jos, Maj.-Gen. Julius Oshanupin, made the pledge at the 2006 West African Soldiers Activities (WASA) ceremony.
Oshanupin said the army would continue to be committed to the service of the nation.
He said the army would continue to support all democratic institutions, norms and values for the sustenance of democracy.
He said, as an important segment of government, the army would continue to perform its constitutional role, particularly in providing aid to civil authority during and after elections.
The army, he said, had embarked on continuous training and re training of its personnel to meet with the challenges of a democratic nation.
He appealed to all stakeholders in the country's democracy to be patient, embrace dialogue, and compromise in addressing challenges associated with democracy.
In his remarks, the Plateau governor, Chief Michael Bot-mang, commended the army for the role it played during the civil unrest in the state.
Bot-mang, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary , Ministry of Water Resources, Mr Edward Shend, said the army contributed in solving the crises.
WASA is a special event where officers and other ranks in the army interact freely devoid of the traditional military regimented culture.