Exercise Golden Dawn 11: Abia govt. warns Army against abuse of citizens’ rights
Fromm BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia
Abia State government has charged the Nigerian Army to observe the laid-down rules of engagement and code of conduct to avoid actions that may infringe on the rights of citizens and host communities while performing the Exercise Golden Dawn 11.
Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, gave the charge during the official flag-off of Exercise Golden Dawn 11 held at the 14 Brigade Step Up Headquarters, Amaekpu Ohafia in Ohafia Local Government Area of the state.
Ikpeazu, instead, charged the Army to use the opportunity of exercise aimed at fostering the much needed civil -military cooperation between the Military and Abians to deal with criminal elements disrupting the deserved peace and tranquility required for economic development during the the Yuletide seasons and electioneering period and flush out criminal elements within the nooks and crannies of the State.
Ikpeazu, represented by his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, further urged them to attach great importance to compliment the state’s efforts in providing succor to various communities, while imploring Abians to cooperate with the troops and other security personnel conducting the exercise and assured them of Government’s continued support to enable them carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
In his address, the Commander, 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Brig. Gen Adegoke Adetuji, said the exercise is designed to promote conducive environment for businesses and other socio-economic activities, as well as enhance the security of law-abiding citizens of the state during the Yuletide seasons and electioneering period.
Brig. Gen Adetuji further explained that the Army would collaborate with other security agencies to perform the exercise, adding that the Exercise Golden Dawn 11 which also featured a Free Medical Outreach for the host Community, Amaekpu Ohafia during the official kick off, would promote civil – military cooperation between them and host communities and assured residents and visitors of their safety during and after the period.
Earlier in his remarks, the Traditional Ruler of Amaekpu Ohafia Community, Ezieogo Uduma Obuba Kalu, while appreciating the Army Command for their security watch over the community, advised Amaekpu residents and visitors to always cooperate with army personnel during their security patrols and quest to maintain peace and order.
The event, which featured special presentation to the Governor Ikpeazu and official flag-off ceremony, as well as inspection of the Medical Outreach organized by the Nigerian Army for the Amaekpu Ohafia community, attracted the presence of the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Chief Chidiebere Uwagwu, Chairman of Ohafia Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Igwe Ojike and Heads of sister security agencies.
