Cleric commends the military for democracy sustenance

May 23, 2015 : NAN 

 

Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Reverend Mathew Kukah, has commended the military for allowing the nation’s democracy to grow.

He made the commendation on Friday in Abuja at the presentation and official launching of a book entitled “Destiny Calling My Name,” the biography of the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh.

The book was written by Prince Dotun Oyelade.

Kukah, who chaired the occasion, described the current transition from one government to another as “a great moment” for the country.

He said, “This is a great moment for Nigeria’s democracy; we have made progress in our country, the military is truly subordinate to civilian administration at this moment.

“Nigeria is indeed truly in democracy and if you were ever in doubt look no further.

“I believe that most Nigerians must be very pleased that when it mattered, our military displayed a high sense of responsibility.”

Kukah commended Badeh for assuring Nigerians of the professionalism and democratic credentials of the military.

He however urged serving and retired military generals to stay away from the politics of the country.

He said the military had taken away several years of the nation’s democracy and should allow civilians to grow the country’s democracy.

He said, “You know that the military has already taken away most of our years in this democracy, and as you have seen, they are still not yet through with us.

“My people, we must make progress and our democracy will grow.

“Let those soldiers who have retired enjoy the benefit of their retirement and let the soldiers who are serving remain in the military and do very well what they set out to do when they joined the military.”

Kukah said the book was a story of what God could do and traced Badeh’s journey from a village school through the secondary school to Defence Academy to his current position.

The Bishop commended President Goodluck Jonathan for the courage to accept defeat in the last elections.

The Guest of Honour, Prof. Jerry Gana, who commended Jonathan for his political maturity, said the president’s acceptance of defeat saved Nigeria from avoidable crisis.

He commended Badeh for the success made so far by the military in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgents.

In his remark, the CDS said he was fulfilled having served for many years in the military.