Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has described democracy as the best form of government for Nigeria .
He said this during his address to recently commissioned officers in the Nigerian Army.
Speaking at the Passing Out Parade and Commissioning cum Oath Taking Ceremony for Executive Commission Course 1/2023, held at the Major Bulama Biu Parade Ground in the Military Cantonment, Jaji, Kaduna, COAS Lagbaja underlined that democracy stands as the most fitting framework for Nigeria’s advancement in the modern era.
COAS Lagbaja stressed that “the only thing better than democracy for Nigeria in this modern era is more democracy.”
He directed his message at the Officer Cadets, highlighting the significance of remaining committed to safeguarding the nation’s nascent democracy and embracing the role of proud champions of a flourishing democratic system.
He charged the officers to execute their constitutional duties impartially, devoid of any political influence.
Reiterating the Army’s commitment to securing lives and property across the country, COAS Lagbaja affirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering dedication to protecting the nation’s territorial integrity and collaborating with other security agencies to ensure citizens’ safety.
In a ceremonial moment, COAS Lagbaja formally conferred the Presidential Commission upon the passing out cadets, elevating them to the rank of lieutenant.
Following this, the Oath of Allegiance was administered to the newly commissioned officers at the Lieutenant General Ihejirika Auditorium.
The passing out ceremony celebrated the achievements of 239 cadets, comprising 12 female and 228 male individuals.
These cadets, who had already been serving as soldiers, underwent rigorous training for three months from May 1 to August 5, 2023, in various corps of the Nigerian Army before being selected for Executive Commissioning.
Notable among them were Cadet A Saminu, who emerged as the top performer, followed by Cadet SC Nwokanta in second place, and Cadet OY Yahaya in third.
Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, lauded the newly commissioned officers for their dedication and highlighted their training in loyalty, courage, and dedication to their nation.
A significant moment during the event was the presentation of the Parchment of Commission to the newly commissioned officers, symbolizing their official entry into the ranks of Nigeria’s military leadership.
The solemn occasion also included a heartfelt gesture from COAS Lagbaja, who paid a visit to wounded officers and soldiers recovering at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna. This gesture underscored the Army’s commitment to caring for those who had made sacrifices during operational engagements.
In this resolute stance, COAS Lagbaja’s words resonate as a call to action, urging officers to be unwavering sentinels of Nigeria’s democratic principles and reinforcing the Nigerian Army’s dedication to upholding the nation’s security and values.
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