The Chief of Naval Staff, Awwal Gambo, has urged personnel of the service to maintain neutrality and be apolitical during the 2023 general elections.

Mr Gambo gave the advice on the sideline of the third quarter route march organised for the personnel of the service at the Mogadishu Military Cantonment on Saturday in Abuja.

The route march is a quarterly fitness exercise that military personnel undergo for physical fitness and mental alertness.

“I wish to remind you that Nigeria is approaching yet another election year with the kickoff of campaigns by political parties nationwide.

“The Naval Headquarter has therefore drawn up rules and regulations for naval personnel during the forthcoming elections.

“Apart from exercising your civic responsibility, you will also be expected to assist the INEC and police to ensure a hitch-free exercise. I therefore urge you to maintain neutrality and remain apolitical.

“I also urge you to be more professional in the conduct of your duties and day-to-day activities by shunning any act of misdemeanour.

“Or taking law into your hands that will bring the service to disrespect in the course of duty,” he warned.

Mr Gambo, however, assured the personnel of support by way of providing all their needs to function optimally in the area of their responsibilities.

He enjoined them to endeavour to show dedication to duty and unflinching support to the nation’s democracy and constituted authority.

(NAN)