The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, monday said the ongoing counter insurgency operations in the North-east region have exposed some flaws in the Nigerian Army.
The COAS, who gave a keynote address at the 2015 Regimented Sergeant Major (RSM) Convention in Maiduguri, said: “We are all aware of the ongoing operations which the Nigerian army is engaged in, especially Operation Lafiya Dole. The counter insurgency operations have exposed some flaws in our discipline, regimentation and professionalism as well as the general conduct of officers and men of our army.
“This underscores my vision on assumption of office which is to have a professionally responsive Nigerian army in the discharge of its constitutional roles.” This came as the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, yesterday charged personnel of the force to remain resolute in the fight for the unity and sovereignty of the country.
Buratai disclosed that “the focus of my command of the Nigerian army is to restore its long cherished core values through discipline, regimentation and professionalism.” “It is my belief that the attainment of these three cardinal objectives will refocus the Nigerian army towards a more responsive force that is ever ready to defend the territorial integrity of our nation and effectively undertake all tasks as enshrined in the constitution of Nigeria.”
The army chief said the Regimented Sergeant Majors (RSMs) need not be reminded that they occupy an important position in the drive towards repositioning the Nigerian Army, noting that: “As the most important link between the officers and soldiers, as well as the custodians and repository of unit regimentation, it is pertinent to re-emphasise that my vision cannot be without a well-disciplined, knowledgeable and highly motivated crop of RSMs who are ready to willingly and effectively discharge their responsibilities at all times.”
Buratai said it was in the light of this that the theme for the convention was ‘Enhancing the Capacity of the RSMs to be Professionally Responsive in the Discharge of their Roles’. The COAS said the convention which would close tomorrow is expected to provide an avenue for interaction and cross-fertilisation of ideas between the officers entrusted with leadership and the RSMs who are custodians of customs, ethics, traditions and values of the service.
The Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, who was special guest of honour at the convention, said he was happy that the state was picked to host the RSMs who are the heart of the barracks. The governor, who promised each of the RSMs at the convention a cash gift of N50, 000, said he is confident that the military has all it takes to end the reigns of the Boko Haram insurgency.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Air Staff, Abubakar has charged the NAF personnel, especially the newly promoted, “on the sustenance of military ethic values and regimentation as NAF strives to achieve its current vision.” Abubakar, gave this charge yesterday in Abuja at the decoration ceremony of the newly promoted Air Warrant Officers (AWO).
According to him, the promoted officers are expected to provide leadership and guidance by virtue of experience and service knowledge as it affects administration such as welfare, counselling and admonition of personnel.
He said: “The vantage position of AWO is a key figure in keeping the men on track towards the realization of the current vision of the NAF especially in the aspect of discipline, core values and service delivery. “I must use this medium to urge you all to see the present security challenges as one that must be overcome. The presidential mandate to terminate the activities of these terrorists in our country is one that requires all hands on deck.
“In the fight for the unity of this country, we must remain resolute and defend the sovereignty and territory of our great nation. Your role in this war is very crucial. “In this regard, the AWO is expected to show the best of example at all times for the sustenance of military ethics, values, tradition and regimentation.”
Speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, Obi Francis assured CAS that the confidence reposed on them would be sustained. Other promoted officers are Onyenaka Nwuche, Ajolarune Alade, Balami Madalaa, Muhammad Madugu, Adekunle Agboke, and Jimoh Kabira.
Source: ThisDay
