The federal government in Nigeria Friday advised the armed forces to desist from using the current security challenges confronting the country as a yardstick for derailing the nation’s democracy, noting that rather, the armed forces should continue adhering to their constitutional responsibilities which include sustenance of democracy. Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, who gave the advice at the graduation of Course 19 participants of the National Defence College, in Abuja, disclosed that the federal government was bent on repositioning the Nigerian armed forces to live up to the expectation of defending the nation and sustaining civil democracy. Towards this end, Sambo said government will provide better equipment, weaponry and support the training of security agencies as well as improve their welfare. While admonishing the 128 grandaunds of Course 19 including 36 Army Colonels, 36 Navy Captains, 36 Group Captains, 2 Police Commissioners and 13 foreign participants from African countries, the Vice President charged the officers to remain loyal to the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan saying their role in sustaining democracy in the last twelve years has been highly commendable. Earlier, Commandant of the College, Rear Admiral Thomas Jonah Lokosun appealed to the federal government to assist the college complete the construction of its permanent site saying its none completion was affecting the take off of its joint Operations centre. Rear Admiral Lokosun said completion and movement to the permanent site will re-enforce the commitment of the college to fashion out policies that will help the nation in tackling the various security challenges confronting in the country. Present at the graduation ceremony were the National Security Adviser, General Owoye Azazi, Minister of Defence, Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed, Minister of State for defence, Erelu Olusaola Obada, Pioneer Commandant of NDC, Lt. General JT Useni (rtd) and the Service Chiefs and the CDS, Oluseyi Petirin. Source: www.vanguardngr.com