By Emma Arubi
THE Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Oyebu  Ihejirika, has warned soldiers, who will be deployed for electoral duties not to collect bribes from civilians. He said that with salaries now being promptly paid, the military authorities would discipline any soldier found wanting during the duration of the voting exercise.

Accompanied by the Provost Marshall, Maj. Gen. Y. Pyan; GOC 2 Division, Maj. Gen. M  Abubakar; Director of Operations, Brig. Gen. Wahab; 4 Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. Umahi and the Commanding Officer, 3 Battalion, Lt. Col. Osita Nwankwo, the Army chief said the soldiers would only be deployed to mount check points and patrol the streets to ensure security of lives during the period.

He added that they would not be assigned to polling booths.

He said the presence of soldiers had become imperative to keep hoodlums, thugs and other miscreants with guns bent on killing, kidnapping and with intent to disrupt the elections away from the streets.

According to him, such persons wielding dangerous weapons would be put in check, just as they would also be required to enforce the no movement restriction.

Lt. Gen. Ihejirika applauded the soldiers for the high level of discipline so far recorded and enjoined them to sustain it, noting that discipline was the key to maintaining an efficient and effective army. He charged them to just carry out their assigned jobs according to the code of conduct and rules of engagement.

“I am happy that the level of discipline has improved in recent times. I enjoin you all to continue to maintain and sustain this level of discipline. You have been  working hard and I must tell you that every time I hear that illegal oil bunkering vessels and barges are arrested, I derive a lot of joy. This tells me that we are moving in the right direction,” he said.

He told the officers and men of the 3 Battalion that he came to interact with them to see how they were faring and how things can be made better.

He expressed joy that the National Assembly had approved the removal of the military from the PENCOM scheme and with that, soldiers would henceforth have cause to smile at the end of their service.