The General Officer Commanding (GOC), Eight Division Nigeria Army (NA), Major-General Godwin Mutkut, has restated the Army’s commitment towards ensuring a conducive atmosphere in Nigeria for free and fair 2023 General Elections.

Mutkut, who spoke at the 2022 end of the year West African Social Activities (WASA), on Sunday in Sokoto State, North-West Nigeria, assured his audience that the Division was suitably ready to support all relevant security agencies and authorities in shaping the environment to ensure the forthcoming General Elections were conducted in a conducive atmosphere.

“The Eight Division of the Nigeria Army will continue to be committed and more responsive in discharging its constitutional roles.

“More so, we will not relent in fulfilling the assurance of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Faruk Yahaya, to Nigerians in ensuring the 2023 General Elections are free of military’s intervention,” he said.

The GOC appreciated the performance of the Division’s personnel, saying they have done exceptionally well, as, according to him, evident in the current level of peace and security in the state.

Mutkut said: “This is in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s vision, which is to have a professional Nigeria Army ready to accomplish assigned missions within a joint environment in defence of Nigeria.”

He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his sustained support for the NA, while appreciating the COAS for ensuring an enabling environment towards addressing security challenges in the country.

Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal also commended Buhari for his foresight towards sustainable peace and peaceful coexistence across the country.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Mainasara Ahmed, the Governor restated his commitment to support security agencies to discharge their constitutional mandates of ensuring a peaceful environment for all.

“The State Government will continue to support all security agencies to succeed in our collective desire of defeating all criminal elements in the state,” he said.

WASA is an annual social function inherited from the colonial era in the Second World War, during which indigenous Nigeria Army personnel celebrate their cultural heritage.

The event brings officers, soldiers, family members and the communities together to display rich cultures and cuisines together.

The 2022 Eight Division NA WASA featured bonfire, dances and other forms of entertainment, as well as the presenation of awards of excellence to troops who distinguished themselves in the outgone year.