The Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (CCMA), Major General Cyril Ugbo has stated that the Nigerian Army (NA) has a sacred obligation to ensure that its personnel perform their duties professionally within the ambits of relevant national and international laws. He gave the charge at Port Harcourt barracks, while declaring open a one day lecture and sensitization workshop organised by Army Headquarters Department of Civil Military Affairs (DCMA). The theme of the workshop was “Constitutional Responsibilities of the Nigerian Army Soldier, Through Adherence to Humanitarian and Human Right Laws,” held at Lieutenant General F Yahaya Badminton Court, Port Harcourt, Barracks.
The CCMA reminded participants that NA was a creation of law and engages in activities in accordance with laid down regulations. “Hence, as soldiers, we must ensure that actions which might have negative implications on the lives of citizens and their civil liberties are avoided” he said.
Major General Ugbo further said It was against this background that the NA organises such workshops to enable troops perform their duties strictly, in compliance with globally acceptable standards, bearing in mind the unique operating environment.
He acknowledged that personnel often engage in joint operations with other security agencies, emphasizing the need to respect the rights of other combatants and persons in conflict areas. He further reiterated that Nigeria is a signatory to various regional and international treaties, which have been adopted and domesticated in the Nigerian Constitution, hence, officers and men are expected to function in that regard.
Major General Ugbo used the platform to warn participants to desist from any actions that would bring disrepute to the NA. He further added that human rights include, right to fair hearing, right to life, right to human dignity, right to personal liberty among others. This he said are inalienable rights of the citizenry.
Earlier in his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army/ Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA SAFE, Major General Jamal Abdussalam maintained that 6 DivIsion has continued to place high premium on training of officers and men within the Division, to make them thoroughbred professionals. He expressed confidence at the gains of the workshop, giving the experiences of the resource persons.
The GOC who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Headquarters 6 Division, Brigadier General Babatunde Omopariola further stated that the workshop was timely considering own troops involvement in operations to curb insecurity in a Joint Operation Area. He further said this is one of the many avenues that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) has put in place to achieve the attainment of his command philosophy which is “To Transform the NA into a Well-trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment”
In a related development, as part of the NA’s civil-military activities, the COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja in his benevolence declared free cataract surgery and treatment for all the indigent persons suffering from the ailment within Port Harcourt and environs in commemoration of the one day human rights lecture and sensitization workshop.
The medical tream was led by the Commander of 6 Division Medical and Hospital Services (DMSH), Colonel Francis Odiase. While conducing the outreach, he stated the surgery was an initiative of the COAS aimed at bringing succour to the people. He further maintained that the surgery was a pinhold contract with special equipment that does not required tearing. He added that it was targeted at Nigerians who are leaving with the pains of this ailment and could not afford to pay the bills for the surgery and treatment. He maintained the COAS considered it very necessary to come to their rescue, hence the medical procedure being conducted free of charge.
Colonel Odiase also affirmed that 6 DMSH experience maximum turnout of both soldiers and civilians, especially the aged for the free surgery. Some of the beneficiaries could not hide their joy as they thanked the NA, and most especially the COAS for the kind gesture, adding that he is God sent, doing uncommon things for the hopeless. The medical procedure had over 15 beneficiaries successfully operated.
The sensitization workshop had presentations by subject matter experts, Major Bello Badamosi (Rtd) of the International Committee of the Red Cross and Major Ismail Nibras, the Civil Military Legal Desk Officer at Army Headquarters DCMA. There was also an interactive session, where grey areas were cleared.
Highlights of the workshop were free cataract surgery and presentations of souvenirs.
The one day workshop had participants drawn from formations and units within 6 Division Area of Responsibility.
