Major General Mohammed Takuti Usman, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army (NA), urged soldiers on Wednesday to always show loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and the legitimate government.
At the 35 Artillery Brigade in Alamala, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Usman addressed the soldiers.
The GOC instructed them to conduct themselves professionally and to show unwavering commitment to everyone, from the President to the senior military officers.
His remark comes as military coups are occurring in several African countries, with Gabon becoming the newest on Wednesday.
Usman, flanked by the Brigadier General, Mohammed Tajudeen Aminu, the Commander 35 Artillery Brigade, warned that Nigerian Armed Forces would not condone disloyalty.
He admitted that there are some challenges, but they are not peculiar to the Brigade Command.
“While we are looking at the challenges and how to solve them, you have to be disciplined soldiers, you have to be loyal soldiers.
“When I mean loyalty, 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. 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.
“Discipline, loyalty and top professionalism. 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,” he said.
At the Barrack, the GOC commissioned the Quarter Guard project.
He also met with Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, who vowed to always support the GOC and the Nigeria army.
He pointed out that without soldiers, Nigeria wouldn’t be a safe place.
Ada Peter
