The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division Nigerian Army Major General Aminu Chinade has called on officers and soldiers of 14 Brigade Nigerian Army to remain apolitical and professional in the discharge of their duties in the electioneering days and especially during the conduct of the 2023 General Elections. He made the call during his familiarisation and operational visit to Headquarters 14 Brigade Nigerian Army Ohafia Abia State on 16 February 2023.
General Chinade reiterated that the Army is not a political organisation. As such, no personnel should be involved in partisan politics as long as he/she is still in service. Stating that ‘We must not allow ourselves to be used by any politician during this electioneering days leading to the General Elections.’
The GOC added that personnel must maintain professional posture as they provide necessary support to other stakeholders, in order to create conditions suitable for peaceful conduct of the elections, and in the days after the elections. He stated that the Nigerian Army has an image to protect and that all personnel must conduct themselves in consonant with the Nigerian Army ethics and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
General Chinade enjoined all to be good ambassadors and be prepared to do their best professionally, ‘as the Nigerian Army will not take for granted threats by some criminal elenents calling for election boycott in the South East geopolitical zone of the country’. The GOC further stressed the need for troops to demonstrate aggressive posture against criminal elements in the days leading to, during and after the elections.
General Chinade earlier conveyed the Chief of Army Staff’s goodwill message and words of encouragement for the good work 14 Brigade troops are doing while encouraging them to sustain it. In his words, ‘despite the daunting challenges, we must remain committed, dedicated and professional while on duty at all times.’
The GOC did not forget to appreciate the efforts of members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) 14 Brigade Chapter, who were also present to welcome him to the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks Ohafia, for their encouragement and support in taking care of the home front while the men are away for various operational duties.
Earlier, the Commander 14 Brigade, Brigadier General Adegoke Adetuyi, expressed gratitude to the GOC for his guidance in the running of the Brigade’s affair. He promised that the Brigade under his watch would continue to ensure the security of the Area of Responsibility, and maintain conducive atmosphere for the conduct of 2023 General Elections by providing necessary supports to relevant stakeholders in the elections.
Highlights of the GOC’s visit include commissioning of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks sign post, brief by the Commander, GOC’s address to troops, visit to ongoing NAOWA Vocational Centre project and tour of the Barracks. Others include signing of visitors book, presentation of souvenir and group photograph.
The GOC later departed for Umuahia, the State Capital, where he met with heads of other security agencies and the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, to further assess state of preparedness and the collaborative efforts by all stakeholders towards the success of the 2023 General Elections. In all, the visit was hitch-free.
