The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Gen. Tujur Buratai, yesterday, commended the National Human Rights Commission for its efforts in fostering cordial civil-military relations in the country.
Buratai said the NHRC had in recent times strengthened relations between military personnel and civilians through dialogue and improved accountability in the nation.
He spoke yesterday at the launch and public presentation of a roadmap for fostering civil-military relations at the commission's headquarters in Abuja.
Buratai who was represented at the event by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Gen. Peter Bojie, said: "The NHRC has come a long way in its fight and struggle for a just and free Nigeria where basic fundamental human rights are respected.
"It has always been a vocal and stabilising factor for Nigeria,s democracy since its return at the close of the 20th century. It will not be out of place to say that the Nigerian Army owes its new found positive and favourable image to the positive reviews and recommendations received from the NHRC," the army chief said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Prof. Bem Angwe represented by Mrs. Oti Ovrawah, praised the army for its respect for human rights in its operations and interaction with the civil populace.
Angwe equally commended the establishment of a human rights desk under the department of the Civil-Military relations.
On his part, the Executive Director of CLEEN foundation, Mr. Benson Olugbuo, disclosed that the primary aim of fostering civil-military eslations "is to bridge the widening gap in the relationship between civilians and security agencies."
The roadmap project was jointly organised by the NHRC, CLEEN Foundation and the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR).
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