The Nigerian Army has stated that it will maintain a level playing field and peaceful environment during the presidential and national assembly elections on March 9 and the gubernatorial and state assembly elections on March 11.
The general officer commanding the 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, provided the assurance in Kaduna while answering questions from journalists during the annual West African Social Activity (WASA), held at Ribadu Cantonment, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna.
According to General Lagbaja, “We have accomplished a great deal in bringing peace and stability to Kaduna State and our immediate community, but the troops still have a great deal of work to do in order to stabilize our villages.
“In the short term, the 2023 general elections are looming, and I want to make it abundantly clear that the troops of 1 Division will continue to be apolitical and professional in the discharge of their duty to provide an enabling environment for the conduct of a peaceful, free, and fair election on February 25 and March 11.
“The WASA that we just observed was merely an initiative of the Nigerian Army’s high command to congratulate the troops for their contributions during the previous operational year and to remind them that there is still much work to be done.”
Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, who was represented at the ceremony by the state’s commissioner for internal security and home affairs, Samuel Aruwan, praised the Army for restoring calm in the troublesome parts of the state.
According to the governor, “It is pertinent to note that 1 Division has very good reasons to celebrate the activities that ended the year 2022, as its officers and soldiers have remained steadfast in the discharge of their constitutional roles, particularly in ensuring relative calm in Kaduna State and its environs.” I am aware of your colossal accomplishments in defeating the plethora of security threats that have plagued our cherished homeland in the form of kidnapping, terrorism, and other crimes capable of upsetting public tranquility.
“Your perseverance in combating these anomalies within your area of responsibility and outside has brought about a dramatic improvement in the general security situation and fostered the flourishing of economic, social, and political activities. Your efforts to develop synergy and coordination between your institutions and other security authorities are therefore to be commended. This is obvious in the various cooperative actions that have contributed to the current state of calm. I applaud the valor your troops recently exhibited to ensuring that the holiday season was honored with minimum security concerns.
“As you begin your activities for the year 2023, I would like to remind you of the need to be more focused and resolute in addressing new difficulties. There is little doubt that 2023 will be an interesting year, especially considering the country’s political climate and the next general elections. I therefore urge you to stay alert, apolitical, and resolute in carrying out your constitutional duties. El-Rufai added, “I urge you to stay proactive, professional, and, above all, prayerful in your reaction to unforeseen situations.”