Troubled by alleged unseemly and unprofessional conducts of the Nigerian military against civilians that result in unbridled criticisms, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has urged Warrant Officers to be committed to their important roles in terms of discipline and professionalism.
Vice-Admiral Ibas spoke at this year’s convention held at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) QUORRA in Lagos penultimate Monday.
Vice-Admiral Ibas introduced the Warrant Officers (WOs) Convention, a mid-level biannual conference for the order ranks of the Nigerian Navy (NN) aimed at reminding them of their important roles in the discipline and professionalism of the naval workforce in 2017.
The theme of the convention was “Responsive Warrant Officers’ Leadership and Operational Efficiency in the Nigerian Navy.” The two-day convention exposed naval personnel to the need to perform their duties without fear or favour.
Commending the personnel for their roles in the successes recorded in containing crude oil theft, smuggling, sea robbery and vandalism, Vice-Admiral Ibas, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral Beegroy Ibe-Enwo, also noted their support in military and joint operations across the country, especially in the northeast.
“The need to collectively strive to build a credible navy capable of discharging its constitutional roles and assigned tasks in a sustainable, efficient and effective manner, calls for continuous enlightenment and deliberate re-awakening of the tenets of professionalism and excellent work ethics among the naval personnel at all levels.
“Warrant Officers are expected to be experienced, visible and professionally sound,” he said at the opening ceremony.
Speakers at the event advised the personnel to shun abuse of substance, energy and alcohol beverages because of the behavioural change they engender, which he said include aggressiveness, mental disorder, fatigue and operational ineffectiveness.
In his presentation entitled “Motivation: An Essential Tool for Enhanced Operation,” Rear Admiral Akinsola Johnson (rtd) canvassed increased motivation for the workforce, even as he commended the NN for putting in place health care schemes for all personnel and their families.
“The Nigerian Navy Medical Services provide primary, secondary and tertiary health care schemes for NN personnel and their families around the country. In extreme cases and based on the recommendation of a medical board, the NN sometimes undertakes medical evacuation of her personnel abroad.
“Also, the desire to provide more accommodation for personnel around the country is a welcome development. Since training is a very essential factor in building personnel confidence in the performance of their duties, I am aware that the navy has been very concerned about re-positioning its personnel professionally.
“There are many more welfare packages that the NN has embarked upon in the recent past. You may think the NN is not doing much to motivate you as a warrant officer but the truth is that the NN may not be able to do much considering the fragile state of the country’s economy. The situation of funding in NN is predominantly tied to the Federal Government’s sources such as the annual budget. All areas of motivation depend largely on adequate funding of the NN. But adequate funding is beyond the office of the CNS,” he said.
Recall that the Nigerian military has, in recent times, come under heavy criticism from the populace who level allegations of brutality, corruption and unprofessional conducts against them.
While the military high command had continuously emphasised the need for members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to avoid over familiarity with the civilian population, the day-to-day realities have made it almost impossible, especially as successive governments have involved soldiers on virtually all internal safety and security operations, including traffic control, metro patrol and routine arrests.
With this over involvement of the military personnel came their indulgence in practices alien to military tradition such as cocaine and other substance abuse, street fighting, bribery and corruption, involvement in land disputes, disrespect for seniors and other behaviours inimical to laid down rules.
Although they belong to the non-commissioned officers (NCOs), the WOs are indispensable in the military. They are responsible for the training and formation of cadets and recruits. They drill the cadre officers who then become their bosses after they are inaugurated by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
In the navy, the WOs and their subordinates are the backbone of the service and execute all orders, directives and commands issued by the higher echelon.
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