Former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul has stated that no one can be appointed as Minister of Defence unless the President fully trusts them.
Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Nitiwul explained that the Defence Ministry is a highly sensitive portfolio, requiring someone the President has complete confidence in.
“If the President doesn’t trust you, he will never take you to the Defence Ministry,” he stated.
He disclosed the critical nature of the Defence Ministry, particularly in West Africa, where security challenges and the role of the military in governance demand strong leadership.
“In the outside world, defence is critical because of geopolitical tensions and conflicts. But in West Africa, it is even more critical because of the situation we find ourselves in and the roles soldiers play in the country,” he said.
According to him, ensuring discipline among the military is essential to maintaining peace and stability.
“If soldiers go around shooting in town by heart, will there be peace? There won’t be peace, so you need someone who can manage them and ensure they work professionally,” he noted.
Mr. Nitiwul also stressed the sacrifices soldiers make, explaining that they put their lives on the line to protect the country.
“If bullets are flying, soldiers have to go and take those bullets for the country. So, you need someone who can manage them well,” he added.
He warned that failure to appoint the right person to manage the Defence Ministry could create problems for the country’s democracy.
“If you don’t get the right person, it creates problems for the democracy of the country,” he cautioned.
When asked if he would return to the Defence Ministry if given another opportunity, the former Minister said, “It depends on the President and his decisions.”
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