Era of coups gone for good, says CDS Irabor

• Published date: 16 January 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

The era of coups is gone for good, Chief of Defense Staff, General Lucky Irabor, assured Nigerians yesterday.

He said the military would assist the police, if such a need arises, to provide security during the general election.

Irabor spoke with reporters at the National Arcade, Abuja, at the end of this year's Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

President Muhammadu Buhari and other senior government officials attended the event.

Irabor said: 'Democracy has come to stay; a government of the people, by the people and for the people has come to stay. That is an assurance.'

On soldiers' involvement in the election, he added: '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.'

Irabor emphasised that the remembrance day was not for mourning.

He 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.

'Of course, going forward, the fact that one has been appreciated motivates one, and I think that is the message that 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.

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'The veterans should also know that their services are not in vain.'

The widow of a fallen Air Force Officer, Mrs Cynthia Ngozi Ubah, called for speedy processing of the life insurance benefits and other entitlements due to the families.

Ubah is the widow of Victor Ubah, a Nigerian Air Force Squadron Leader, who was...