CLEEN Foundation calls for constructive Civil Military Relations in Nigeria

We join all Nigerians to facilitate with the Nigerian military on the occasion of the armed forces remembrance day.

The Nigerian Armed Forces has engaged in successful military operations in various peace keeping missions to restore peace in troubled countries such as Liberia, Sierra Leone, Sudan just to mention but a few. At the home front, the fight against insurgency has also recorded major successes despite sustained attacks by insurgents since 2009. To further show their unalloyed patriotism, the Nigerian Legion recently announced their commitment to join the Nigerian Military in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria. 

These success stories and efforts by the Nigerian Military collectively are often under-reported in the media and sometimes also met with distrust by the public. These issues portend the need to open up the dialogue space for fostering civil military relations in Nigeria. This is with a view to improving security and development and more importantly, positioning the military as a responsive and accountable government institution.

Despite these successes, there is existing tension between the military and the civilian which is as a result of the long military rule experienced in the past and increased military deployment across civilian space linked to the war against insurgency. This has resulted in a strained relationship between both parties and negates the fundamental rights of the people contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian constitution.

We use this historic occasion to encourage the Military to continue to put in their best and to remain resolute in the fight against terrorists; together we will win the war! We call on the military to investigate and address issues of human right abuses as it concerns Nigerians.

The ‘Fostering Civil Military Relations project’ is timely and aims to build support and promote positive civil-military relations between Nigerians and the military. CLEEN Foundation hopes to achieve this project objective through series of stakeholders’ dialogue sessions to develop a roadmap that will foster Civil Military Relations in Nigeria. Through this project, we will support ongoing discussions and engagement between the military and the civil society to improve accountability, security and national cohesion.  

Join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #CMR-NG and follow @cleenfoundation

Signed

Benson Olugbuo

Ag. Executive Director,

CLEEN Foundation