Former Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Abba Zannah, on Saturday, charged officers, soldiers and cadets of the institution to remain apolitical in the discharge of their duties, especially as the country inches towards the 2019 general elections.
A statement signed by Abubakar Abdullahi, the Public Relations Officer of the Academy, quoted Mr Zannah as giving the charge while making his remark during an annual Social Activities organised by the Academy in Kaduna.
Mr Zannah, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, also urged the officers as well as the soldiers to safeguard the integrity of the Armed Forces.
He implored them to always adhere strictly to their “code of conduct by being disciplined, loyal, diligent, neutral and above all to remain apolitical in this period of politicking.
“For those of you who may be called upon to support civil authority in any form, I advise that you stick to your rules of engagement and exercise discretion and good judgement, safeguard the integrity of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said.
Mr Zannah, who is a retired air-vice-marshal, commended the staff of the Academy for their sacrifices, urging them to continue to put in their best for the attainment of the Academy’s mission, especially as the nation’s security is being threatened by different kinds of challenges.
He said: “As the primary military institution that trains our future military leaders, your contribution to national security requires no emphasis.”
He, however, commended the officers, soldiers, the academic and non-academic staff of the institution for a wonderful display of Nigerian cultural heritage.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commandant of the Academy, Adeniyi Oyebade, pointed out that it had always been the tradition of the Nigerian Military to organise Social Activities to mark the end of training year for all its personnel.
According to him, the event is a non-formal get-together that has become an avenue for families and friends of the officers to come and socialise.
Mr Oyebada, who is major-general, therefore, commended all officers, soldiers, civilian staff and cadets of NDA for their efforts in ensuring that the event was a success.
While commending them for a job well done in the year 2018, Mr Oyebade urged all the officers, soldiers, civilian staff and cadets of the Academy to put in more effort this year.
“Last year when I met the Chief of Defence Staff to brief him of our activities, he was happy and told us to redouble our efforts,” Mr Oyebade added.
He, however, urged all and sundry not to forget officers and soldiers who paid the supreme price in defending the country.
He said: “We should always reach out to the widows. None of the widows will lack the support needed. We shall do everything to ensure that they did not feel the absence and demise of their husbands who served the country tirelessly.”
He also assured that the children of the deceased soldiers and officers will be adequately taken care of.
DAILY NIGERIAN reports that the event witnessed massive turnout of families of officers, soldiers and civilian staff of the institution, where various individuals and groups were given the opportunity to display their cultural dances and local dishes.
