PDP Youth Leader Claims Nigerian Military's Power Undermined by Lack of Civilian Loyalty

 

PDP Youth Leader Claims Nigerian Military's Power Undermined by Lack of Civilian Loyalty

A prominent opposition youth leader has publicly challenged claims that Nigeria possesses one of the most powerful militaries in Africa, arguing instead that true military capability is contingent upon the unwavering commitment of a nation's civilian population.

Hon. Anuma Franklin Aja, Zonal Coordinator for the People's Democratic Party (PDP) Southeast National Youth Movement, stated in a release that the narrative of a powerful Nigerian military "kinda amuses" him. He asserted that any army's strength is only as great as the support it receives from its people, a factor he contends is severely lacking in Nigeria.

"Read that again: Every military power is as strong as the commitment of the civilians," Aja emphasized in his statement.

Aja argues that the Nigerian military's perception of strength remains only as long as it avoids conventional warfare with another nation and continues actions focused on internal "Nigerian groups and communities for agitating or protesting."

To support his thesis, the PDP youth leader drew numerous historical comparisons. He cited Alexander the Great's conquest of the Persian Empire, arguing that Darius lost primarily because his realm was composed of "many begrudged tribes" who were "treated unfairly and intimidated by the central government" and ultimately "betrayed Darius."

He also pointed to Nazi Germany's initial defeat of 70% of the European military, attributing it to the "commitment and support of the German civilians" who embraced the ideology. Furthermore, he referenced Imperial Japan's success against the much larger China, highlighting the extreme citizen loyalty exemplified by Hiroo Onoda, the commander who famously refused to believe Japan had surrendered and continued fighting World War II until 1974. Aja described Onoda's actions as a "symbol of National courage."

Bringing the critique to the modern Nigerian context, Aja noted that when President Tinubu considered sending Nigerian soldiers to Niger Republic following a coup, "Islamic leaders in Northern Nigeria resisted and openly opposed Tinubu."

Aja concluded his statement with a pointed assessment and a controversial prediction. He contended that the Nigerian army is only a "strong military against communities" and listed specific locations including Bayelsa, Delta State, and the Lekki Toll Gate.

He warned that should the Nigerian military face a contemporary military from another nation, "most Nigerians would not dye [sic] for Nigeria." He attributed this to the ongoing actions of the government and military.

"As far as the Nigerian government continues to marginalise communities, states or regions, and the military continues to bombard communities for quarreling with military officers," Aja asserted, "Many people, groups or regions would readily join an enemy forces against the Nigerian government." He further claimed that certain groups have already called on foreign powers, including Iran, Russia, Israel, or the USA, to invade Nigeria.