The Chief Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, has charged personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to maintain a high level of discipline, warning that anything short of that would attract severe sanctions. The CAS sounded the warning in a statement by NAS’s Director, Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet.
The statement, the CAS issued the warning 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.
The statement also warned personnel against partisant politics, noting that although it is their inalienable rights to vote for whosoever they want, they must not be seen to be directly engaged or involved in any form of political campaign or activity.
The 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 NAF on issues affecting the service for enhanced operational efficiency.
The CAS attributed successes of the war against insurgency and terrorism in various theatres of operation across the country, to the sacrifices of personnel at the front lines and the commitment of the federal government in equipping the service.
Amao said the NAF was expecting the delivery of additional platforms to complement existing ones to improve on the capability of the service in the ongoing counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations.
He urged the personnel to continue to provide necessary feedback to their various commanders with a view to enhancing policy implementation as well as consolidating on the advancement of the service.
The statement said, “on cases of indiscipline occasioned by absent without Leave (AWOL) and desertions, the CAS advised the AWOs and RSMs to caution their personnel to follow the laid down rules and regulations as to separation from service as specified in the terms and conditions of service (TACOS).”
He said the NAF would not deny any personnel his or her right to separation as long as it was in accordance with the TACOS, stressing that the service would also not hesitate to take appropriate disciplinary measures against such personnel no matter how long it takes.
Amao assured that the NAF will not relent in ensuring the welfare of all personnel.
The statement said the meeting whivh was attended by about nine AWOs and 120 RSMs, afforded them the opportunity to brief the CAS on their activities and the challenges in their various commands and units.
