Peace Corps pledges support for the new Service Chiefs – Dr Akoh

…asked Trump to apply diplomacy instead of military force

By Vivian Okejeme Abuja

The National Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria, Dr Dickson A.O. Akoh, Wednesday, expressed satisfaction on the appointment of the new Service Chiefs by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Dr. Akoh described the appointment of the new Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Naval Staff, Rear-Admiral Idi Abbas, and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal S.K. Aneke as well-deserved.

On President Donald Trump’s treat to Nigeria, Peace Corps passionately appeal to Mr Trump, in the interest of global peace and security, to rather than resorting to the threats of deploying military force, choose diplomacy and a peaceful approach as the best option in the interest of the vulnerable and peaceful Nigerians and foreigners alike.

Speaking at a press conference themed, Security, Leadership and Democracy, Dr Akoh said the Peace Corps of Nigeria view the appointments as a clear recognition of their distinctions, impeccable service records, and capacity to lead.

“We recognize that this new leadership steps in at a pivotal time for our nation’s security. We are eager to support their respective and collective mandates, particularly by employing our non-kinetic, youth-centric strategy to complement the national security architecture.

“As they work to strengthen our national security in line with the ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda, we trust they will be guided by the principles of transparency, accountability, and professionalism, vital elements for effectively tackling our current security challenges. We wish them divine wisdom and protection in the performance of this enormous task.

“The Peace Corps of Nigeria is greatly concern by the recent remarks by the American President, Mr Donald Trump, wherein he recently designated Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ and threatened the use of military might over the perceived genocide against Christians in Nigeria.

“While the Peace Corps of Nigeria acknowledges the gravity of insecurity affecting citizens of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds, including foreign nationals, we hereby passionately appeal to Mr Trump, in the interest of global peace and security, to rather than resorting to the threats of deploying military force, choose diplomacy and a peaceful approach as the best option in the interest of the vulnerable and peaceful Nigerians and foreigners alike.”

“Military intervention, especially unilateral action, carries an inherent and enormous risk. It complicates an already complex environment, threatens to escalate violence, and risks destabilizing the very communities it seeks to protect, potentially creating a humanitarian crisis far worse than the original problem. We must avoid this tragic playbook.

“Nigeria requires collaborative, strategic support, not confrontation. This is where the non-kinetic approach is vital. We stand ready to partner with international bodies and the US government through peaceful and developmental means. The deployment of resources for job creation, education, and peace-building programs represents a far more sustainable and effective path to peace than the deployment of troops. We urge the United States to respect our territorial integrity and engage through established diplomatic channels.

“By virtue of its Special Consultative Status granted in 2013, the Peace Corps of Nigeria is part of the UN system and shares its core ideal: a commitment to global peace and security. Since any regional threat risks global stability, we call on the United Nations to urgently leverage consultative dialogue, integrated negotiation, and high-level diplomacy to mediate the rising tensions between its member states, America and Nigeria.

“Nigeria is a proud and sovereign nation committed to fundamental freedoms. For the sake of all innocent lives, the peace of diplomacy must always be chosen over the trauma of military deployment.

” Therefore, the UN must act decisively to intervene before this current tension spirals into any form of confrontation. By urgently bringing both nations together under its neutral auspices, the United Nations can secure a path of mutual respect and sustainable, non-kinetic solutions that truly benefit the vulnerable people of Nigeria.”