The re-established army barracks at Ohafia, Ohafia local government of Abia State, housing the headquarters of the newly established 14 Brigade and 145 Battalion office complex was yesterday by thepresident, Goodluck Jonathan.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Jonathan reiterated the commitment of his administration to provide adequate peace and security in the nation, which he said informed the revival of the army barracks.

He admonished every Nigerian, especially the political class, to dump their tendency to jeopardise national security. “Nigerians should not allow any individual or group to sacrifice our collective peace and security,” he said.

Mr. Jonathan said he has strong confidence that INEC would organise free, fair and credible election. “Our votes must count. It is one man one vote; one woman one vote,” he said.

The president , who arrived the ceremony in the company of host governor, Theodore Orji; Ebonyi governor, Martin Elechi and all the service chiefs, lauded the Nigerian Army for the successful execution of the project through direct labour. He said this method has saved the nation huge sum of money and exposed the competence of the Nigerian Army in construction.

Saying the armed forces have very important role to play even in times of peace, he said he would tap the civil potential of the armed forces in the next four years if he wins the presidential race.

Mr. Orji said the re-establishment of the Ohafia Army cantonment is a demonstration of civilian-military partnership in ensuring internal security. He praised the army for restoring peace to Abia after the state’s economy was devastated by the activities of kidnappers. “It became inevitable that the army should have a permanent military presence in Abia following the performance of the military in routing kidnappers and other criminal elements, who in the peak of their nefarious activities, were kidnapping even school children,” he said.

Help to the community

The barracks, with capacity to accommodate 3,000 soldiers and their families, is expected to lead to sustainable peace and security in the state as well as spur the growth of the local economy of the host community.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Azubuike Onyeabo Ihejirika, said the Ohafia barracks was named Goodluck Jonathan Barracks because of the president’s commitment to the construction of the cantonment. “The Nigerian Army would continue to give unalloyed loyalty to the president and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the discharge of its constitutional duties,” he said. “The speed and quality of job done by the army engineers are a demonstration of the capacity of the army to contribute to national development.” The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division Enugu, Sarkin Yaki Bello said that the Army would not rest on its oars to ensure sustainable peace and security in Abia State. He said the facilities in Ohafia barracks, including educational, medical and sports facilities, would be made available to the civilian population of the host community.