From Our Correspondent
New Flag Officer Commanding, FOC, Western Naval Command, WNC, Rear Admiral MG Oamen has tasked naval officers on discipline and respect for constituted authorities.
Oamen gave the advice during a working visit to the Forward Operating Base of the navy in Badagry and the Naval Base in Tongheji Island, Lagos.
According to him, officers should keep to time, have integrity, be disciplined and be humane to citizens.
“If you are supposed to be at a place, be there at the standard time.
“If you do not engage in any illegality, then the Chief of Naval Staff will be very happy with us. In your conduct, as you interact with members of the society, you must be above board.
“The Nigerian Navy, just like the other armed forces like the Nigerian Army and Air Force, are friends of the people.
“We are supposed to serve and protect citizens, so we do not need to antagonise, abuse or brutalise them. That is not part of our code of conduct.
“Combatancy is for you to be able to do your job well and have respect for the people you are working to protect. So, we need to learn how to engage them with mutual respect,” he said.
The FOC said the first respect a military man gets is from his bearing and dressing.
“In a situation where you don’t dress well, you are already subjecting yourself to disrespect. When you do the right thing, you get the respect of these civilians.
“We are all supposed to be brothers-in-arm. I am not saying you should become over familiarised to a point where you now become common.
“You have to conduct yourself professionally and I am sure you will get the respect that you deserve. Also, remember, do not compromise because of money.
“If we get anybody that is involved in any form of illegality, just know that you will pay for it,” he said.
Oamen said he was in Tongheji to first and foremost, familiarise with what they are doing and also listen to them.
According to him, there is always room for improvement.
The Commanding Officer, FOB, Badagry, Navy Captain Augustus Amakiri, accompanied the FOC to pay a courtesy visit on the Baale of the Island and operational places in Badagry.
