From Tony John, Port Harcourt
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has given troops a one-month deadline to improve oil production in the Niger Delta region.
Oluyede issued the directive during his visit to the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Tuesday.
He told them that, without an improvement in oil production by securing the installations, the federal government would not meet the needs of the troops or the citizens in general.
The COAS charged them not to deviate from the mandate of their profession in discharging their duties, warning that decisive action would be taken against any culpable soldier.
He said: “If government does not make money from oil because oil is the mainstay of the economy. So, if we are not making money from oil, the Dollars will keep on rising, and that means food and everything will be expensive.
“You must know that Nigeria is our country. We do not have any other country. So, we must make Nigeria work.
“So, why I am here this afternoon is to charge you because we have been given the responsibility to safeguard all oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta, and that we must do well. I have spoken to your Brigade Commander. I have told my officers that they must lead you well. I am sure you will do your work well. And they are going to lead you well.”
He cautioned: “Now, let me tell you, if anybody tells you to go and do anything illegal, tell them that the Chief of Army Staff said that you should not do it.
“In the next one month, I must find changes here (Niger Delta region). Oil production must go up at all costs. So, I have just come to talk to you as your father and as your leader.
“Now, as your father, I will beg you to do what is correct. Now, as your leader, if you do not do what is correct, I will deal with you decisively.
“So, if you don’t want to be in soup, just go and do your work and do it well. Like I told you, I know this environment very well; I was the GOC here. So, there is nothing you can tell me. So, go, tell your colleagues that this is my message.
“In the next one month, there must be a remarkable difference here (Niger Delta). Forget about the fact that they are copying me here. That is not my vision here. My own is that I have come to give you directives, and those directives must be followed so that Nigeria can be better. There is no other way to earn money for Nigeria.”
Lieutenant General Oluyede promised the soldiers that the President Bola Tinubu-led government would address their predicament, reminding them that money for their needs would depend on their efforts in protecting oil installations in the Niger Delta region.
He continued: “I have told Mr. President about our predicament in the Army – talking about accommodation, kitting, whatever. Where is the government going to get the money if they do not have money from oil? No, tell me, where else will they get the money?
“Now, if you do your part, I will do my part. In the next few weeks, you will see that things will start changing. There will be massive accommodation for you so that you can have places to live with your families. But, if we do not make the government earn money, where will they get money? There is no other way.
“So, my message to you this afternoon is for you to go back and tell your colleagues. We must make things better here. Is that clear? I have passed my message.”