By Linus Aleke
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Oladayo Amao has charged personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to maintain a high level of discipline, sustain regimentation and remain apolitical as the nation heads towards the 2023 General Elections.

The CAS gave this order during a retreat with Air Warrant Officers (AWOs) and Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) of all NAF Units including tri-service institutions held at Headquarters, NAF Abuja.

Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, in a statement, said the meeting was aimed at enabling the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers to have a robust and frank discussion with the highest echelon of the Service on issues affecting the Service for enhanced operational efficiency.

Speaking during the retreat, the CAS said, the NAF has recorded significant successes in the fight against insurgency and terrorism in various theatres of operation across the country.

He, however, attributed the successes to the sacrifices of personnel at the front lines and the commitment of the Federal Government to equipping the Service.

While reminding them of their role as the link between the officers’ cadre and other ranks, Air Marshal Amao said the NAF is expecting the delivery of additional platforms to complement existing ones.

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The new platforms, he said, would improve the capability of the Service in the ongoing counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations.

He enjoined them to continue to provide necessary feedback to their various Commanders with a view to enhancing policy implementation as well as consolidating the advancement of the Service.

On the upcoming 2023 General Elections, the CAS charged personnel to remain apolitical while noting that in as much as it remains their inalienable rights to vote for whosoever they choose, they should not be seen to be directly engaged or involved in any form of political campaigns or activities.

On cases of indiscipline occasioned by Absent without Leave (AWOL) and desertions, the CAS told the AWOs and RSMs to caution their personnel to follow the laid down rules and regulations as it relates to separation from Service as specified in the Terms and Conditions of Service (TACOS).

While maintaining that the NAF would not deny any person his or her right to separation as long as it is in accordance with the TACOS.

The Service will also not hesitate to take appropriate disciplinary measures against such personnel no matter how long it takes.

The meeting, which had about 9 AWOs and 120 RSMs in attendance, afforded the attendees the opportunity to brief the CAS on their activities and the challenges in their various Commands and Units.