News
Jaja, Brown Warn On Military Role In Elections
Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Hon. Eugene Jaja has warned against the use of military personnel in the electoral process.
Speaking last weekend in Opobo Town during the guber and House of Assembly elections, Jaja opined that allowing soldiers to participate in security and monitoring is capable of truncating the democratic culture being nurtured in the country.
He said, “Going by what we have seen…strict meaters need to be falem to prevent the military from intimidating and upturning the peoples wish.”
The Opobo/Nkoro Council Chairman, said it was unfortunate that military men were involved in activities capable of causing provocation, especially in their open support to the opposition to manipulate the outcome of the polls.
On his part, former Caretaker Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Sir Boma Brown said the elections were opened militarised, as soldiers were seen carting away ballot boxes and scaring away voters.
“As far as I am concerned this is no elections,” Brown said, “how can you allow soldiers shooting sporadically putting fear in the mind of voters who came out to vote.
Brown flaked the President Muhammadu Buhari administration for taking the country back to the era of military rule, as he argued that the electoral process should be free from force and intimidation. He further said, “this action of the military is provocative they are not supposed to be seen around the voting centres and giving orders to INEC officials”.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Opobo/Nkoro maintained that the people would not be deterred by the presence of the military, “PDP as a stronghold here and no form of intimidation would change the mind of the voters.”
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
-
News3 days ago
Obuah’s Victory Excites Former Lawmaker as APC Primaries Conclude in Rivers West
-
News3 days ago
105 Nigerians Killed In S/Africa In Seven Years
-
Niger Delta3 days agoRoyal Father Endorses PH Arsenal Community, Pledges To Support
-
Sports3 days agoKhana, Akpajo All-Stars Set For Friendly Match ” Morrow”
-
Business3 days ago
Dangote Refinery Ending Nigeria’s Dependence on Imported Fuel – EIU
-
Business3 days ago
Commercial Aviation: Bayelsa Begins Operations As Pioneer Airline Launches Maiden Flight
-
Sports3 days ago
PH To Host 2026 NWFL Super Six
-
Sports3 days ago
FG Approves Nationwide Stadium Overhaul