By Jefferson Ibiwale, Benin 

The former director of Army Public Relations, Okajide Olaleye, a Brigadier General, who was removed redeployed last week has assumed duties as the Commander of 4 Brigade, Nigeria Army, Benin.

Laleye replaces Fidelis Okwudili Azinta, also a Brigadier-General.

Speaking at the handing over note ceremony, Azinta told officers and men of the brigade to put the interest of the nation first in all their assignments.

On the role of the military in the forthcoming election, the former commander said soldiers should ensure that political parties and their candidates are provided with a level-playing ground.

He observed that the “Nigeria Army is not a card-carrying member of any political party.”

“Victory comes from God. When the Army send you on a task, it does so with a belief that ‎you will come back alive. Your security and that of your comrades must be paramount,” Azinta said further.

In his remarks, Laleye said men and officers of the Nigerian Army must take election duty as a serious national assignment, reiterating that “the Army has no affiliation with any political party.”

He said that the brigade would ensure that the “election is violence-free by providing security for every peace-loving Nigerian.”