Army Will Ensure Free, Fair Polls, GOC Assures Sokoto Voters

As the 2023 general elections get closer, the general officer commanding (GOC), 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Godwin Mutkut, has promised the Division’s readiness to ensure the 2023 general election is free, fair and credible.

The army chief stated this at the Gingiya Barracks, Sokoto, during the 2022 end of the year West African Social Activities (WASA) traditional events.

The WASA, a tradition upheld by the Nigerian Army, is a social function inherited from the Colonial Era in the Second World War during which indigenous Nigerian Army personnel celebrate their cultural heritage at the end of every year in a conducive atmosphere to foster esprit de corps.

The event brings officers, soldiers, family members and the communities together to celebrate and socialize. The age long tradition includes the display of rich cultures and cuisines, bonfire, dancing, other entertainment as well as the beating of the retreat. It is indeed an event that the entire barracks community looks forward to as it affords them opportunity to interact in a more relaxed environment while savouring their rich and splendid cultures and traditions.

The GOC said, “Nigerian Army over the past decades has been engaged in operations, both home and abroad in its effort to sustain peace and protect its national territory integrity.

“In line with the Chief of Army Staff’s vision which is to have ‘A Professional Nigerian Army Ready to Accomplish Assigned Missions within a Joint Environment in Defence of Nigeria’, I am proud to say that the officers and soldiers of 8 Division Nigerian Army have done exceptionally well as evident in the current level of peace and security within Sokoto State.

“Not relenting, 8 Division Nigerian Army will continue to be committed and more responsive in discharging its constitutional roles. In this stead, the Division is aptly ready to support all the relevant security agencies and authorities to aptly shape the environment to ensure that the forthcoming general elections are conducted in a free and fair atmosphere.”

In his remarks, Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, commended the Nigerian Army for sustaining peace and tranquility in the state.

Tambuwal who was represented by the secretary to the state government, Mainasara Ahmed, reassured the Nigerian Army and other security agencies of the state government’s continuous support in defeating all criminal elements in the state.

Highlight of the events was the award of excellence to some of the troops who distinguished themselves in the outgoing year as well as display of cultural dance by different ethnic groups in the state to the admiration of everyone.