..holds route march to boost Personnel’s physical, mental fitness for operations
By Godsgift Onyedinefu
The Nigerian Navy has charged its personnel to remain apolitical, professional, and law abiding during the conduct of the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of the Nigerian Navy, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, gave this charge at the Nigerian Navy Third Quarter Route March which commenced from the Naval Unit Abuja (NUA) Parade Ground at Asokoro through AYA Roundabout to Mogadishu Cantonment fly over and back to NUA on Saturday.
The Naval Chief who was represented by Rear Admiral Saidu Garba, Chief of Policy and Plans, informed that the Naval Headquarters has drawn up rules and regulation for naval personnel during the forthcoming election to ensure professional conduct, and a hitch-free exercise.
Gambo, further assured that the Navy will work with other security agencies to ensure that the process is free and fair.
“Our country is approaching yet another election year with the kick-off of campaigns by political parties nationwide . The Naval headquarters has therefore drawn up rules and regulation for Naval personnel. We will support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police to ensure that every Nigerian who wishes to vote, will vote without hindrance by any person.
“Apart form exercising your civic responsibility, you will also be expected to assist the INEC and the police to ensure a hitch free election when called upon. I therefore urge to remain neutral and apolitical. I enjoin you to he more professional in the conduct of your duties,” the Naval Chief urged.
“The Nigerian Navy will continue to support you by way of providing all you need to function optimally. I urge all to show dedication to duty, unflinching support for democracy and constituted authority,” he further said.
The Naval Chief further explained that the Third Quarter Route Match exercise is aimed at enhancing the physical and mental alertness of officers and men of the Nigerian Navy to enable them meet up with challenges of naval operations.
“The route march is aimed at developing personnel’s physical and mental alertness to meet the dynamics of contemporary security operations. It is also targeted at fostering espirit de corp and providing an avenue for relaxation.
“It is important to state that operational efficiency and combat readiness are predicated on sound mental and physical fitness of the armed forces. Indeed, physical fitness and mental alertness are essential for combat readiness of service personnel at all times,” he said.
While applauding the conduct of the exercise, the Naval Chief reiterated that the overall military performance is based on the combination of individual strength that creates a network of productivity, both mentally and physically.
“In the face of current security challenges in the country, the need to keep personnel physically fit for operations cannot be over emphasised that is why fitness and metal alertness are among the critical elements of the chief of naval staff policy thrust aimed at emplacing a sound mind in a sound body.
“Therefore, this route March is targeted at keeping us fit for optimal performance in the discharge of our constitutional responsibilities as naval personnel,” he further said.
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