Promoting peace and security not the job of military alone – CNS
NAN-DS-3
Peace
By Maureen Okon
Abuja, Nov. 14, 2016 (NAN) The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS),Rear Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas, says promotion of peace and security in the country is not the job of the military alone.
Ibas, who was represented by Rear Adm. Jacob Ajani, made the statement at the 100th Anniversary Remembrance Day for Nigerian and British soldiers who died in the 1st and 2nd world wars.
The event took place at the British High Commission, Abuja.
According to him, the day was celebrated amongst the Commonwealth countries across the globe in remembrance of the lives of soldiers that were lost in the two wars.
“The day is celebrated among Commonwealth countries, those who are formally the colonies of the United Kingdom.
“In remembrance of the precious lives of soldiers that were lost during the two world wars and other skirmishes in promoting lasting peace across the world.
“Really the job of promoting and maintaining peace is not for the military alone, but to answer you directly; in the military we do not only train.
“Because we know that training, especially, such as to promote understanding, good relationship, good neighbourliness and respect for human rights, are things we could apply and advance so that they wouldn’t be war.
“And where there is war, you treat people humanely, so at the military level we apply that a lot.
“So as I said earlier, promoting peace and security is the business of everybody, governments at all levels and across all countries promote peace and security to prevent war,’’ he said
Colonel Done Fletcher, the Defence Advisor of the British High Commission, said that the day signified two things: the part Nigerian military played in first and second world wars and the fight for democracy and freedom.
According to Fletcher, 2,800 Nigerian soldiers lost their lives in the course of both battles.
“This day signifies two things, first is the recognition of the part the Nigerian military played in both first and second world wars and they lost 2,800 soldiers in the course of both battles.
“So, this is a very fitting time, particularly when Nigeria has its own security challenges and also an important time for us to remember the sacrifices that Nigeria has made in the fight for democracy and freedom,’’ he said
He narrated the importance of the day from a personal perspective of the 12,000 servicemen and women who fought since 1945, and recently.
“But also from personal perspective as a military man, this is a very important day for me as the member of the British military.
“To remember British servicemen who lost their lives in the curse of conflict not only in the first and second war, but more recently in Afghanistan and Iraq.
“With 12,000 servicemen and women of the British Army who lost their lives since 1945.
“So, it is not just about the past but also about the future and it is very important that we gather here on a hot but beautiful sunny morning and remember our war death.
“We are in partnership with the Nigerian military, we have long historic ties with Nigeria, so, we have a British military advisory training team.
“Which they are assisting with capacity building with the Nigerian military , very much Nigerian military led, but where we can, we assist.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this year marks the 153rd anniversary of the Nigerian Army Raised originally as the Hausa Constabulary in1863.
This occasion is marked concurrently in Lagos by a ceremony in Yaba Commonwealth war Grave cemetery. (NAN)
ETIM/AMY/AMY
========
Edited by Abdullahi Yusuf