THIS NEW ORDER

Like every other agencies of government in the old order, corruption had its grip firmly and ruthlessly on the top brass of the Nigerian Army. It was an open secret the level of rot in the armed forces of Nigeria, so much so that it was visible to the blunt. We saw to our disappointment how Service Chiefs and top Brass in the military became distended and could hardly walk, say more of participating in military drills. We saw how their lifestyle of corruption affected negatively and hindered the prosecution of the war against terrorism. Little wonder why a group of soldiers would disobey an order of a superior and even try killing him; they were labelled dissidents but we knew better, it all resulted as indiscipline took a strong footing cutting across the rank and file. It was further compounded and made repellently frightful with a commander in chief who had no will whatsoever to confront the problem. It spread like a wild fire across the armed forces of the country and dampened the morale of the rank and file. With the emergence of PMB, a new order was instituted and discipline returned to the force and within this short while, has peaked and now the Chief of Army Staff has issued a very outstanding order to the rank and file of the military to the effect that 'all over sized and bloated men in the force must have by December this year sharpen up to fitness and alertness or be shown where they belong'. It is very instructive this order, because all over the world; military personnel are sharp and disciplined, rearing to go at any moment that duty calls. In our clime however, Generals are bloated and even obese as a result of lack of discipline and scarce physical training, care free lifestyles that leave them dangerously vulnerable; for men who are supposed to be alert at all times not knowing where or when a surprise attack might be sprung on them. I therefore remove headdress and give three happy cheers to General Brutai the COAS for this timely order to his men, hoping that the Naval and Air Forces brass will follow suit and shape up like every disciplined armed forces around the world. The promotion of five thousand personnel who distinguished themselves in the war against the insurgency is an incentive like no other that will steer up patriotism and the three hundred million naira to injured and deceased soldiers and for the school fees of the children will be a great solace to the families affected, and they will know that the country is grateful to them for the sacrifices their loved ones have had to make. We need a disciplined military in Nigeria, a military in shape and vigilant to counter all forms of aggression local or foreign, for as OTTO VON BISMARCK once said "the great questions of the time will be decided not by speeches and resolutions, but by iron and blood".