Military better off in a democratic setting – Mark

Senate President, David Mark said in Abuja on Thursday that the military was better off in a democratic setting since it performed its constitutional roles without interference

Mark said this at a dinner organised by the National Defence College for Graduates of Course 20 participants and also to mark the 20^th anniversary of the college

according to him, the military was getting back to its glorious days where the personnel did their constitutional duties and nobody would think they would do otherwise’

“So we have accepted that democracy is the order of the day and the military regime is no more in fashion and is completely outdated.

“And the Nigerian Armed Forces are so well trained, that they understand that constitutional democracy is the order of the day, so I want to thank you for that,’’ he said.

Mark said the Course 20 participants had the most challenging period following the spate of suicide bombings in the country, adding that the challenge they had during the course was an opportunity for them to review most of the activities of the suicide bombers.

“And anything you cannot solve militarily , then it is assumed that it is difficult for any military institution to solve and the challenge that you have must have informed your new syllabus and the new thinking that the college is working on,” he added.

Mark said by changing the name of the college from war to defence college showed that the tendency in the world now was not to fight war but to defend.

While calling for synergy between NASS and the college, he assured the commandant, staff and participants of the college that the National Assembly would do what it can in terms of legislation to make sure that they are properly equipped to deliver the best training. (NAN)