2019: Buratai charges soldiers on professionalism

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai on Tuesday called on soldiers to uphold the tenets of military professionalism and be guided by the rules of engagement.

Buratai made the call at the inauguration of the new transit accommodation and remodeled Nebo Hall at Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps Officers,’ Albati Barracks in Lagos.

Buratai, who was represented by Army Chief of Logistics, Maj.-Gen. Enobong Udoh, said that all hands must be on deck for the sustenance of democracy.

“I must remind commanders at all levels to continue to provide requisite leadership.

“They should also ensure that their personnel are continually reminded of the need to uphold the tenets of military professionalism at all times,“he said.

“This is especially important considering that in few weeks time the 2019 general elections into the various offices at the state and national levels will be conducted.

“The coming weeks and months in the transition process will surely demand for absolute loyalty, commitment to duty, vigilance and steadfastness on our part.

“For this reason, all hands must be on deck to ensure the success of the elections for the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria,” he said.

Buratai reiterated the resolve of the army to uphold professionalism, excellent civil-military relationship and adherence to rule of law in the course of engagements.

He said the army was currently involved in a number of operations and exercises in all the country’s six geopolitical zones to address asymmetric security challenges.

“It is heart-warming to note that a lot of successes have been recorded which has led to the restoration of peace and stability in most parts of the country, especially in the North East.

“The army would therefore continue to provide aid to civil authorities to enhance a stable environment which is necessary for good governance to thrive,” he said.

Buratai said the provision of adequate and befitting accommodation was aimed at improving personnel’s welfare in line with the army`s vision.

He said that the projects marked a new milestone in infrastructural development of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps.

“The army is replicating similar projects in other corps and barracks to ameliorate acute accommodation problem confronting its personnel,“he said.

He said the projects would also reduce the deficit and present a strong testimony of the army to address infrastructure decay across its formations, schools and barracks.

“In the past three years, the army has embarked on a number of interventions in the area of barracks renovation, progressive kitting of personnel, procurement of new equipment among others,” he said.

He said the construction of new barracks across the country was not only to address the current deficits but to provide office and residential accommodation to newly established units and formations.

Buratai said these interventions and expansions had improved the army`s capabilities and capacity to meet the 21st Century security challenges confronting the nation.

Earlier, the Commander, Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, Maj.-Gen. Joel Unuigbe, said that the completion of the project attested to the dynamism of the army leadership.

He said that the army chief was committed to the creation of a conducive working and living environment for army officers and soldiers.

Our correspondent reports that the representative of the COAS also visited the new site for the Nigerian Army College of Logistics where he did the ground breaking.