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2023: Be Vigilant, Stay Away From Politicians, COAS Cautions Soldiers
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, has warned officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to stay away from politicians and resist temptations by misguided elements to disrepute the image of the service.
The Army chief has equally warned those fuelling crises in various parts of the country to desist from their unpatriotic acts or have themselves to blame.
Yahaya has also charged commanders of the various army operations in the country to be vigilant and emplace stringent measures to maintain efficient security of arms and ammunition.
The COAS, who gave the charge at the closing of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) third quarter conference in Abuja, said the warning has become necessary as the 2023 general election draws nearer.
He said the directive on the reviewed Nigerian Army Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct for Operation Safe Conduct during the elections should be adhered to strictly before, during and after the elections.
“I want to enjoin all formation and unit commanders on the need to be vigilant, aware of all situations through constant monitoring and ensuring proactive solution to situations,” he said.
“Commanders are equally reminded on the need to emplace stringent measures to maintain efficient security of arms and ammunition.
“Additionally, the directive on the reviewed Nigerian Army Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct for Operation Safe Conduct should be adhered to strictly by all during the electioneering period. Thus, commanders must ensure that subordinates are educated on the guidelines provided in the document.
“Commanders must also ensure the professional conduct of troops and resist any distraction and attempt by misguided elements to disrepute the image of the Nigerian Army. All must remain professional and apolitical in conduct all through Operation Safe Conduct.”
The Army chief, who commended officers and soldiers for their doggedness, bravery and commitment to the service of the nation, urged them to continue to protect the nation’s territorial integrity with the last drop of their blood.
He said with the tempo of operational activities in all the theatre across the country, insecurity would soon become a thing of the past.
According to him, “I expect that with the improved support we have in terms of logistics and other key combat enablers, we should strive to decisively and quickly defeat the adversaries in all theatres of operations.
“There is no doubt that with our efforts in collaboration with sister services and other security agencies, the state of security in the country will continue to improve in the days ahead. I, therefore, urge all commanders to remain committed, more so that the 2023 electioneering would soon commence.”
To those fuelling crisis in the country, the Army chief said: “Let me seize this opportunity to advise those fuelling crises in various parts of the country to desist from their unpatriotic acts. I strongly advise them to retrace their steps as the Nigerian Army, within the ambit of rule of law, will continue to ensure that all peace-loving citizens of this country go about their legitimate businesses and live their lives without fear or intimidation.
“I wish to inform the public that the Nigerian Army would continue to work closely with other security agencies to provide peaceful environment.”
The COAS said the weeklong conference has afforded the Army to appraise its activities rejuvenated towards achieving the goal of discharging its constitutional responsibilities.
According to him, “In the course of the conference, we vigorously examined issues affecting professional conduct of personnel. We equally reviewed training, operations and manpower matters as well as various projects embarked upon by the Nigerian Army. Therefore, in the last quarter of the year, I implore you all to lay emphasis on activities that would enable the Nigerian Army to consolidate on the gains so far achieved.”
He said: “As regard the massive ongoing and completed infrastructural projects in all Nigerian Army Cantonments, I urge you commanders to take responsibility and emplace effective measures for their maintenance. Still on the welfare of our troops, the NA is developing a robust programme to enhance the rehabilitation and resuscitation of our personnel that are disabled due to injuries from operations. I am sure that when this is completed, the impact on the morale and performance of our troops will speak for itself.
“I wish to once more commend you all for the optimism and commitment you have reflected during the conference which clearly showed in the quality of discussions and contributions made. I also believe that you have all noted the valuable points from the extensive deliberations that would help improve our performance in the field.
“It is important that I also reiterate that the Nigerian Army, under my leadership remains loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and to Mr President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“On behalf of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, I wish to most respectfully reassure the people of our commitment to the defence of Nigeria. We also remain grateful to the Commander-in-Chief for his unflinching support to the Nigerian Army which has contributed immensely to the huge successes recorded against the enemies of the country.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has inaugurated a special legal team to handle election petitions arising from last Saturday’s Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory.
This comes as the All Progressives Congress (APC) won in Abaji, Kwali, AMAC, and Bwari Area Councils, while the PDP secured victory only in Gwagwalada.
The Tide reports that the council elections were held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, across all six FCT area councils, including Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali.
Results announced so far by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) show that the All Progressives Congress (APC) won in Abaji, Kwali, AMAC, and Bwari Area Councils, while the PDP secured victory only in Gwagwalada.
In a statement issued yesterday by PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the party congratulated its candidates, who emerged winners in the chairmanship and councilor elections.
The opposition party acknowledged the victories, noting that the number of wins was lower than expected but significant given the alleged irregularities during the polls.
“We specifically congratulate the Chairman-elect of Gwagwalada Area Council, Mohammed Kasim, and the councillors who have been declared successful by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“This victory, though less in number than we anticipated, is particularly gladdening because it is against the background of unprecedented intimidation, high-powered money politics, and brazen executive brigandage,” the statement read.
Ememobong claimed that there are reports and video evidence indicating voter intimidation and unlawful conduct that influenced the outcome of the elections.
“Reports and video evidence abound where armed security personnel were used to cart away result sheets in polling units, intimidate voters, and unduly influence the outcome of the elections.”
To address complaints and litigations arising from the polls, he said the party has set up a legal team headed by its National Legal Adviser, Shafi Bara’u, Esq.
The statement urged candidates with legitimate grievances to contact the Legal Adviser promptly, as delays could jeopardise their chances in election petition cases.
“The incredible voter apathy in these polls is a direct response to the anti-people Electoral Act 2026, where the people have completely lost faith in the electoral outcomes from elections conducted under this Act.
“These Local Council polls may just be a foreshadowing of the forthcoming general elections in 2027 if changes are not urgently made,” the statement added.
The PDP called on the National Assembly and the President to take corrective action to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, will on Wednesday swear in Justice Joseph Oyewole as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The ceremony is scheduled to be held at 2pm at Courtroom Two of the Supreme Court complex in Abuja.
The court urged guests to adhere strictly to the court’s protocols and security measures.
This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the Supreme Court’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Dr Festus Akande.
The court described Oyewole’s appointment as a step towards reinforcing the capacity of the apex court to deliver fair and timely judgments.
Recall that Oyewole was, until his elevation, a Justice of the Court of Appeal and Presiding Justice of the Enugu Division, and joins the apex court bench as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the judiciary.
The National Judicial Council recommended Oyewole for the position alongside 35 others for various judicial offices, following its 110th meeting held on January 13, 2026, and presided over by Justice Kekere-Ekun.
The statement partly read, “The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, GCON, will on Wednesday, 25th February, 2026, preside over the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Justice of the Supreme Court, Hon. Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole, JCA.”
According to the statement, Oyewole served with distinction at the Court of Appeal and as Presiding Justice of the Enugu Division prior to his elevation.
“His appointment underscores the commitment of the Nigerian judiciary to upholding the rule of law, ensuring justice, and strengthening the bench with experienced and dedicated jurists. He brings a wealth of legal expertise and integrity to the apex court to further enhance its capacity to deliver fair and timely judgments,” the statement added.
The apex court further described the swearing-in as “another significant step in rejuvenating the judiciary and ensuring the continued delivery of justice in line with the highest standards of integrity, competence, and impartiality.”
The Supreme Court reiterated its commitment to justice, fairness and judicial independence for the benefit of Nigerians.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed deep shock and sadness over the sudden passage of Senator Barinada Mpigi, the Senator representing South East Senatorial District of Rivers State.
In a tribute to mourn the deceased, Governor Fubara described Mpigi as a brother, a consummate politician and one of the leading lights in Rivers State.
He said that Mpigi died at a critical time when his services were still needed by the people of Rivers State and prayed God Almighty to grant him eternal rest.
The governor commiserated with his immediate family, the Rivers South East Senatorial District and the Senate at large, asking them to take solace in the fact that the deceased lived a good life and impacted positively on the people.
Senator Mpigi died at the age of 64. Until his death, he was the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works.
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