Jonathan tasks Military on Fresh Security Tackling Ideas
President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday charged members of the Armed Forces to innovate workable approaches and ideas at tackling the security challenges facing the country after not satisfied with the occasional resurgence in terrorist activities despite the ongoing state of emergency in some parts of the country.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of participants of Course 21 of the National Defence College (NDC), Abuja, Jonathan who was represented by the Senate President, David Mark, said it was evident that national and regional security in the 21st century was determined by forces that were operating within and beyond national borders.
“Today, the enemy is usually unseen, hiding behind human shields and despicable ideologies and deploying cyber offensives, in addition to lethal conventional and unconventional armaments. “Confronting these new threats require new thinking, new approaches and greater sophistication in equipment and capabilities.
“Our Armed Forces must be agile and proactive, by enhancing their capabilities to identify and disrupt before execution, the plans and machinations of these faceless enemies, including their sources of funding, arsenal, training bases and recruitment efforts’’, he said.
Urging the military to rise up in order “to reduce our vulnerability as they constantly review their strategies”, the President pledged to continue to implement measures aimed at repositioning the forces.
“The covenant we have with our people is to deliver a greater Nigeria that we believe in. We are committed to this and we must deliver it to the coming generations. “I congratulate the graduating officers of Course 21 and from what I have heard so far, you all have demonstrated the spirit of hardwork and commitment during your time at the college.
“You all have also been found to deserve the new prestigious status of the Fellow of the National Defence College (FDC)’’, he added. Commandant of the NDC, Rear Adm. Thomas Lokoson, who recalled that the 131 graduating participants were inaugurated on September 10, 2012, explained that they have been prepared to take up leadership positions in their various places of work.
“We expect that you will continue to live up to these high standards as you are leaving the National Defence College with various experiences.
“I urge you to apply these experiences positively and always give good account of yourselves at all times, knowing that where you are coming from is known for its high standard and commitment to excellence,’’ Jonathan said.