THE Nigerian Army has been asked by President Muhammadu Buhari to maintain its neutrality and contribute to the success of the country’s general elections in 2023.
He gave the directive yesterday while declaring open the Chief of Army Staff’s Annual Conference 2022 held in Sokoto with the theme, “Building a Professional Nigerian Army for 21st Century Security Environment”
The president stated that in order for the civil government to function effectively, the armed forces must help it by fostering peace.
He expressed delight that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Faruk Yahaya, had already issued a reviewed Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct to guide personnel during the general elections.
‘‘The professionalism you exhibited in the successful conduct of the Anambra, Osun and Ekiti states elections should also be reflected in the 2023 General Elections,’’ he said.
The president additionally charged the soldiers to observe all human rights requirements and preserve professionalism while they carried out their constitutional obligations.
Buhari, who was in attendance with the Ministers of Defense, Major General Salihu Magashi (retd), and Police Affairs, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, gave them additional instructions to develop long-term plans that would coordinate their efforts to secure the nation.
He expressed optimism that the country would experience long-lasting peace and stability as a result of the renewed vigor and standard applied to operations, as well as the collective resolve and enhanced civil-military relations.
The president promised that the Nigerian Army Aviation will be activated as soon as possible, through special intervention.
He disclosed that the 2023 Budget included consideration for the purchase of platforms for army aviation.
In his remarks, Magashi expressed sympathy to the families of security personnel who had died in various operations across the nation and added that the country was grateful for their effort to maintaining the peace in the country.
He assured that their families’ welfare would receive more attention.
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal also spoke, expressing his optimism that the conference’s outcome will have a good influence on the nation’s military operations.
The conference, according to the COAS, is convened annually to examine participants’ accomplishments and to reassess their strategies.
The highlight of the activities was the presentation of Nigerian Army Recognition Awards to six prominent Nigerians such as the president of Dangote Groups, Aliko Dangote; Businessman Abdussamad Rabi’u, Tony Elumelu; Customs General, Col Hameed Ali (retd.); founder Zenith bank, Dr Jim Ovia; and former COAS, Lieutenant General Yusuf Buratai (retd).
