Navy chief warns personnel against partisan politics
AREWA AGENDA – The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo has threatened to punish officers that may get involved in the 2023 electioneering process.
He warned personnel to avoid partisan politics but exercise their civic duties in the forthcoming general elections to recruit new leaders.
The CNS, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (CPPLans), Rear Admiral Saidu Garba, stated this during the second quarter route march.
According to him, “this is more so that we are entering the election period. We urge you all to be non-partisan and not to engage in any activities.
“Your right is to vote, get your PVC, do your vote and go back to your home.
“We do not expect you to engage in electioneering process.
“Any person found engaging in that will be severely sanctioned”.
On the Route Walk, the Naval Chief said the exercise was targeted at keeping personnel fit for optimal performance in the discharge of constitutional roles as naval personnel.
In his words: “The route march is aimed at developing personnel physical and mental alertness to meet the dynamics of contemporary security operations.
“It is also targeted at fostering esprit de corps and providing an avenue for relaxation.”
He stressed that operational efficiency and combat readiness are predicated on mental and physical fitness of the armed forces.
“Indeed, physical fitness and mental alertness are essential for combat readiness of Service personnel at all times.”
The Naval chief said in lieu of the current security challenges in the country, “the need to keep personnel fit for operation cannot be overemphasised. That is why fitness and mental alertness are among the critical elements of the CNS policy thrust.
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“Therefore, this Route March is targeted at keeping us fit for optimal performance in the discharge of our constitutional roles as naval personnel.
“Let me use this opportunity to draw your attention to the need to continue to be law abiding citizens and at the same time stress the need to maintain cordial and improved relationship with our civilian populace and relevant stakeholders.
“This is more so that your duty to defend the territorial integrity of our fatherland will be meaningless if the Nigerian populace is not enjoying harmonious relationship with the Armed Forces.
“Similarly, we can only be proud if their safety and wellbeing is assured as law abiding citizens.
“On this note, I urge you to be more professional in the conduct of your duties and day to day activities.
“Furthermore, I must encourage you not to engage in any acts of misdemeanor or taking the law into your hands that could bring disrepute to the Service in the course of duty.”
He restated that the Nigerian Navy will continue to support it’s personnel by way of providing all the needs to function optimally in the area of your responsibilities.
“Additionally, I enjoin you all to show dedication to duty and unflinching support to our democracy and constituted authority.”
He disclosed that the NN Games is scheduled to take place in August this year, which is aimed at consolidating on the fitness level of NN personnel and identifying the abundant talents in the Service that can represent the NN creditably well in national and international competitions.
“I implore you to take the opportunity and participate actively in the Games.
“It is pertinent to reiterate the wise saying that a healthy mind requires a healthy body to function properly.
“It is, therefore, with sincere sense of responsibility and great pleasure that I congratulate each and every one of us for taking part in this Route March.”
