By Perez Brisibe

UGHELLI—officers and men of the Nigerian Army, 222 Battalion, Agbarha-Otor, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, yesterday, marched through the streets of Ughelli and its environs to reassure residents of the area of the readiness of the military to protect lives and property during and after the general elections.

The soldiers in their hundreds, carried banners with inscriptions such as; “Nigerian Army is non-partisan,” “Nigerian Army is guided by the constitution,” “We say no to economic violence,” “We say no to economic sabotage,” among others.

Speaking on the rationale for the exercise, the Commanding Officer, 222 Battalion, Lt. Col. Mathew Oyekola,  said it was a route march to complement the show of force exercise recently conducted across the country.

Addressing the soldiers, Lt. Col Oyekola, said: “This is one of the times Nigeria needs us most, come March 28 and April 11, Nigerians should come out to vote for candidates of their choice as the Nigerian Army is ready to secure lives and property during and after the elections.”