Chief Nduka Obaigbena, the esteemed publisher of Thisday newspaper, has made a compelling appeal to the Nigerian military regarding its treatment of civilian protesters. Speaking at the 2024 third quarter Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation Media Chat in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, Obaigbena urged the military to cease its arrests of peaceful protesters. He emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of citizens to express their views without fear of retribution.
“Peace is very necessary for development. Our soldiers sacrifices their lives everyday to give us peace,” he said.
Obaigbena’s remarks centered around the need for the military to focus on more pressing issues, particularly the rampant electoral fraud that undermines Nigeria’s democracy. He argued that when the government is accountable to its citizens, there will be less reason for public protests. He stated, “A free and fair election will deepen democracy and enthrone a government that will be accountable, and as a result, there would be no protest in the country.” This highlights his belief that the root cause of many protests is the lack of trust in the electoral process and governance.
During his speech, Obaigbena reiterated that peace is crucial for national development. He acknowledged the daily sacrifices made by soldiers to maintain this peace, noting that their efforts are essential for the stability of the nation. He stressed the necessity of ensuring that the military is adequately funded, suggesting that a minimum of 25% of the national budget should be allocated to security and the Armed Forces. This funding, he believes, is vital for enabling the military to effectively perform its duties and protect citizens.
“We spend so much money on national security, we spend so much money on national satellite technologies and across the board, we have to look at national security as a whole government approach.
“Why are we still importing bullets, importing arms, AK-47 and the likes? So we have to integrate our whole defense infrastructure with out technological infrastructure to keep us safe and protect Nigerians from the new world order.”
Obaigbena also called for strengthened collaboration between the military and the media, advocating for engagement that promotes national development. He argued that a constructive relationship can enhance understanding and cooperation, ultimately benefiting the country as a whole. This sentiment was echoed by Benue State’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Matthew Abo, who highlighted the media’s role in fostering unity and peace in Nigeria.
Earlier in the event, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, shared insights into the military’s ongoing efforts to build collaborative partnerships across Nigeria. He noted that these partnerships have led to significant successes in various operations, including the neutralization of terrorists and their leaders, as well as the rescue of abducted citizens. Lagbaja’s remarks underscored the military’s commitment to restoring socio-economic activities in communities affected by conflict.
Chief Nduka Obaigbena’s call to the Nigerian military to stop arresting civilian protesters is a critical reminder of the importance of upholding democratic values and protecting civil rights. His emphasis on accountability, peace, and collaboration offers a pathway for Nigeria to address its challenges and work toward a more stable and prosperous future. By ensuring fair elections and respecting the voices of its citizens, Nigeria can move closer to achieving a society where peace and development go hand in hand.
“These include the neutralization of several terrorists and their leaders, the rescue of some abducted Nigerians, and the restoration of socioeconomic activities in affected communities, leading to the return of internally displaced persons to their ancestral homes.
“Our efforts have also significantly boosted crude oil production while enhancing food security through special patrols and escort duties that enable farmers to cultivate their crops.
“The media remain a crucial link between the military and the public to ensuring accountability and fostering mutual trust.Despite the significant progress made in improving communication and media engagement, ‘challenges persist, and forums like this help address some of these challenges in the relationship,” he said.
