CISA Blasts Politicians, Groups Over Sustained
Vilification of Military
The Citizens’ Initiative for Security Awareness (CISA) has
condemned the sustained media vilification orchestrated of the
military by unpatriotic politicians and mischievous interest
groups.
Its National Coordinator, Mr. Chidi Omeje, however said what the
military and all other agencies that are engaged in the
counter-terrorist operation and other internal security operations,
across the country need at this moment is unconditional public
solidarity and unflinching support.
Omeje, spoke at a press conference themed, “Time to Stand up for
our National Security,” in Abuja on Sunday.
According to him, when the blood-thirsty Boko Haram terrorists’
group began its brutal violent campaign against innocent Nigerians,
the Nigerian security agencies led by the Armed Forces, gallantly
rose in defence of the people.
He said: “Their gallantry, as we sadly note, has not been
without a huge price: a number of soldiers have paid the supreme
price, many others have lost their limbs or have been maimed for
life, young families of military personnel have been thrown into
mourning and sorrow; many more soldiers are still in harm’s way,
doing all they could to defend and protect us from those who seek
to destroy us.”
The CISA boss, while maintaining that the Armed Forces and
indeed the entire Nigeria security apparatus are not on trial, said
any attempt to ridicule and destroy the image, integrity and
standing of the fighting forces must be condemned by every
right-thinking Nigerian.
He said: “In our estimation, those on trial are the
double-dealing political, religious and ethnic jingoists who are
hell bent in destroying our national security fabric to advance
their selfish interests.
“Even as we align ourselves to the call for quick decimation of
the Boko Haram terrorist group and total obliteration of banditry
in our country, we do not want to believe the lie that the problem
lies In our estimation, those on trial are the double-dealing
political, religious and ethnic jingoists, who are hell bent in
destroying our national security fabric to advance their selfish
interests.”
Mr. Omeje, at the briefing, urged politicians to find a way to
drum up support for the fighting forces from their
constituents.
He said: “What could be more horrendous than not offering our
troops useful information that will help rout the adversaries but
actually sabotaging their effort by leaking their movement or
position to terrorists or bandits?
“We the citizens know that what we have on our hands are mostly
asymmetrical warfare waged by terrorists among us. It is a war
bordering on subversion in which there is no clear distinction
between combatants and borders.
“We perfectly understand the nature of this crisis and
appreciate the peculiar challenges our security forces are facing
in dealing with the situation. We are very confident that the good
will ultimately triumph over evil and that our military and other
security agencies will certainly defeat the terrorists and their
sponsors.
“While we thank the international community for their support,
let nobody or group intimidate, blackmail or disparage our gallant
fighting forces.
“Our security forces must be insulated from the malaise of
negative politics ravaging the land, and politicians must desist
from wearing out our soldiers with their divisive, incisive and
insensitive pronouncements.”