Soldiers in the Nigerian Army have received a strong call to maintain unwavering loyalty to the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu.
Major General Mohammed Takuti Usman, who serves as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 81 Division Nigerian Army (NA), delivered this message on Wednesday, emphasizing that the Nigerian Armed Forces would not tolerate any disloyalty.
Addressing soldiers at the 35 Artillery Brigade in Alamala, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Usman stressed the importance of their loyalty to the President as the topmost priority. He reminded them that their loyalty hierarchy should extend from the President to the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, and down to their Brigade Commander.
The GOC issued a stern warning that disloyalty would not be tolerated within the military, and individuals unable to demonstrate loyalty are free to pursue other careers.
This caution comes amidst the backdrop of military coups spreading across African nations, with Gabon being the latest country affected.
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Accompanied by Brigadier General Mohammed Tajudeen Aminu, the Commander of the 35 Artillery Brigade, Major General Usman acknowledged the existence of challenges within the military but assured that efforts were underway to address them.
He urged soldiers to consistently display discipline, loyalty, and the highest level of professionalism, stating, “Your loyalty must start with the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, who is the President. That’s first, and then down the ladder. Loyalty to the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, down to your Brigade Commander. You have to be loyal.”
” You have to be loyal. There is no room for soldiers that are not loyal to the constituted authority, no. If you are not going to be loyal, then, leave, go and do other work. But the Armed Forces cannot stand it if you are not loyal.”
Usman stressed the importance of soldiers’ roles in maintaining peace and security, saying, “We are bearing arms so that other people can sleep well and go about their normal activities. You also have to be hardworking. If you go on any course, make sure you do your best and be among the best. Once you have all these, you will grow in this job.”
During his visit, the GOC also commissioned a Quarter Guard project at the Barrack, highlighting the critical role of soldiers in ensuring Nigeria’s safety and security.