Defence
THE National Coordinator, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), Emmanuel Onwubiko, has commended the Nigerian Army for its recent successes against enemies of the country.
Onwubiko gave the commendation when he led a delegation to pay a courtesy call on the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, on Thursday in Abuja.
He said the visit was to acknowledge that the emergence of Yahaya as COAS had led to the sustenance of the war on terror with renewed energy, zeal, patriotism, speed and accuracy.
The HURIWA coordinator expressed confidence that Nigeria would in no time, achieve great victory against the terrorists and other criminals.
He commended the army chief for promoting strategic partnership and harmonious relationships amongst all segments of the armed forces in addressing insecurity.
“We acknowledge that just after he was appointed few months back, he reportedly undertook visits to sister bodies within the armed forces of Nigeria.
“We also know that in other areas, the Chief of Army Staff has recorded phenomenal milestones particularly with specific reference to the welfare of personnel and we urge him to sustain this policy of qualitative welfare.
“Welfare is everything and it is the tonic that motivates the workforce to give in their optimum best,” he said.
Onwubiko condemned attacks on military and other security personnel by some groups in parts of the country.
He urged the Nigerian army to promote dialogue and adopt quicker and transparent mechanisms for resolution of issues relating to allegations of human rights violations by personnel during internal security operations.
Onwubiko also urged the army to adopt forensic and law based approach in dealing with suspects.
According to him, the Nigerian army is a creation of the constitution and the grand norm does not tolerate impunity and lawlessness.
He also urged the army to ensure that no officer or soldier should be found aiding or abetting any act of arson, vandalism or unprofessional conduct.
He added that troops were duty bound to intervene in any situation to avoid a breakdown of law and order.
Responding, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Yahaya commended HURIWA for finding it worthy to interface with the Nigerian army.
Yahaya said the constitutional mandate of the military was to secure the territorial integrity of Nigeria as well as assist the civil authority when called upon.
He said the army had over the years, performed its constitutional responsibility professionally within its code of conduct.
The COAS assured HURIWA that all army operations were guided by its code of conduct, adding that it took cognisance of infringements or infractions during operations.
He said the establishment of the Department of Civil Military Affairs and Human Right Desks and other outlets was done to handle all human rights related issues.
These, according to him, are geared towards ensuring that army personnel are most professionally fit and proficient in their operations.
He urged the team to always verify information regarding any occurrence and authenticate before publicising it. (NAN)
A.I
Tags: Emmanuel Onwubiko HURIWA Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya
