As Nigeria prepares for elections in 2023, retiring Major General Uwem Bassey, who served as GOC of the 8th Division, has urged soldiers and commanders in the Nigerian Army to stay out of politics.
During the handing-over ceremony yesterday at the 26-battalion Giginya Barrack parade ground in Sokoto, Bassey made this declaration.
Maj. Gen. Bassey, a former joint taskforce commander for the North West, enumerated his successes, which included containing the terrorists terrorising the area.
He said that in Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina, his troops had successfully retaken bandit strongholds.
He said that during large operations, numerous terrorists' weapons were taken.
He emphasised the importance of law compliance and constitutional fidelity for the soldiers and officers under his command.
More importantly, he emphasised that they adhere to the code of conduct and standards of engagement established by the Chief of Army Staff.
“I urge you to read the rules of engagement and code of conduct for election given to you by the Chief of Army Staff he stated.
“Don’t allow your actions and conduct to affect the credibility and integrity of the elections, allow politicians to do their work ours is to protect Nigeria's territorial integrity,” he stated.
He said he was thankful to the Chief of Defense Staff and the Chief of Army Staff for considering him for the position and that he had a productive 17 months at the Division.
He claimed that his tenure at the Division would not have been as fruitful if the soldiers and officers had not cooperated with him.
“For you soldiers and officers of this division I laud your commitment and support throughout my staying here as GOC,” he stated.
He pleaded with them to help the next GOC succeed in his position by providing the same level of assistance.
In his response, incoming GOC Maj. Gen. Godwin Mutkut praised the work of his predecessor in stemming the spread of terrorist activity in the region.
He assured everyone that the outgoing GOC’s work would be continued.