'I'm angry at negative comments about our military' - President says

President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed displeasure at the way Nigerians criticise the Nigerian military and police, stating that the sacrifices of these security operatives is the reason some can sleep at night.

Jonathan said this on Friday, May 22, while inaugurating the Armed Forces Radio, known as “Defence Radio 107.7 FM.’’

The president said that the society has not shown much support to security personnel, adding that the trend should stop.

According to him, the radio station will help to enhance the operations of the military.

He said, “Other nations even bring foreign media to cover some of their operations and things are exaggerated as if they even work harder than we do.

“So, today that we are launching your radio station will be a turning point, where some of our operations will be properly covered and Nigerians will know.

“If Nigerians know what you are doing and what you are passing through, Nigerians will remain grateful.

“And I use this opportunity to call on all Nigerians, both our senior citizens and ordinary citizens to appreciate the commitment and the sacrifices of our armed forces.

“We wouldn't have been sleeping if these people are not working.

“I always feel a bit worried and sometimes angry when I read in the papers negative comments about our armed forces and the police.

“Ours is a society that sometimes doesn’t appreciate the commitment of individuals, the suffering of individuals.

“These people fight and some of them pay the supreme price, leaving widows and young children as orphans.”

Jonathan said that instead of commending and encouraging members of the Armed Forces, Nigerians criticise them.

He said it is normal for the society to criticise, but it should show some level of respect for members of their security team.