The African Bar Association (ABA) has declared its support for the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), in all internal security operations aimed at restoring peace and normalcy across troubled parts of the country.
The President of ABA, Mr Hannibal Uwaifo, made the declaration when he led some executive members of the association on a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, on Wednesday in Abuja.
The Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
The ABA President said that the association would be constructive in scrutinising and criticising the operational activities of the AFN, rather than making statements that denigrate the military while discharging its legitimate duties.
Uwaifo said that the association would continue to promote and ensure peace, stability and democratic governance in Africa, while mediating on conflicts and disputes within the region.
He noted that the Armed Forces African Bar Association (AFABA), which oversees the affairs of military lawyers in Africa had recorded tremendous successes.
He added that AFABA members had exhibited discipline and diligence during ABA seminars and conferences.
The president said that the association was proud of the military in its operations, adding that more effort was needed in the fight against insurgency and banditry.
He also intimated the CDS of the association’s intent to partner with the Defence Headquarters to co-host a military law conference in Abuja.
The proposed conference according to him, will work out modalities for formulation of privacy laws and law regime in order to ensure security of military data by international privacy laws.
Uwaifo used the opportunity to extend his condolences to the AFN on the unfortunate air mishap that claimed the lives of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and ten other personnel, describing it as very painful.
Responding, Irabor thanked the leadership of ABA for the collaborative efforts in seeking to project the operational successes of the AFN.
He said that public understanding of the pains and sacrifices of the military would boost the morale of the troops in surmounting the security threats across the country.
According to him, the gesture by the ABA will add to the numerous voices galvanizing support for the AFN with a view to countering negative narratives and misinterpretation of military operations.
The Defence Chief, while commending the ABA for promoting human rights, peace and stability within the African continent.
He gave assurance that the AFN would continue to conduct its counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations within stipulated rules of engagement, as well as guide against human rights abuses.
He also pledged DHQ readiness to partner with ABA in the proposed military law conference. (NAN)