Military Men Banned From Use of Siren, Horsewhip On Roads

Rotimi Akinwumi, Daily Independent

24 December 2008

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Paul Dike, has outlawed the use of siren by military personnel in the country henceforth.

In the same vein, no military officer must be seen carrying horsewhip around, either as personal paraphernalia or an instrument to intimidate civilians in the society.

In a statement in Abuja by the Defence Headquarters and signed by the Director of Defence Information, Chris Jemitola, the CDS said the use of siren and whip by military men is a sign of intimidation and oppression that has continued to rub-off negatively on the image of the military as an institution.

The military, he said, is ordinarily supposed to be people friendly.

Dike's latest action is an apparent reaction to the recent ugly incident during which a naval chieftain's convoy reportedly brutalised a civilian leader on a Lagos road.

The CDS noted that the use of siren and whip by military men has had a lot of negative effect on the citizenry as series of dire consequences has been created in the course of forcing civilians off the road for officers to pass, using the siren and whip as objects of effecting such.

In banning the use of siren by the military men, the CDS exempted his office and that of the other service chiefs in all the three services, although with a caveat that siren must be used "sparingly and when absolutely necessary".

Coming down hard on the use of horsewhip by military personnel in forcing people to obey their commands, the CDS said, "the horsewhip is not part of the military uniform and will not be tolerated to be seen in the possession of anyone".

Robot  # 1 | 24.12.2008 11:56

Reference: Assault on Ms. Uzoma Okere Involving Rear Admiral Harry Arogundade and co In November 2008, about 2000 people signed a petition asking for the fol... A full and impartial investigation into the incident with the aim of swiftly bringing the Perpetrators to justice.  The prohibition of the practice of using of sirens and excessive escorts by public officers save for the President of Nigeria and state governors. The prohibition of the use of horsewhips in all the arms of the Armed forces for any reason whatsoever, including chastising enlisted men or/and civilians.  Up-to-date compulsory civics training for all members of the Nigerian Armed Forces aimed at inculcating respect for civilians. Kudos to Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Paul Dike for doing something about the demands. But justice must be done and also seen to be done also in this particular case. ...Read the full article.

dele26  # 2 | 24.12.2008 12:03

....... so, what happens to Rear Admiral Harry Arogundade?

Prince Charles  # 3 | 24.12.2008 13:12

No body should be allowed to use siren including the Chief of Defence Staff the President and Governors they should not be allowed to make noise. They can have a convoy of 4 cars, but not to make noise on our streets. We hear enough noise already in Nigeria coming from Okada people, Bus drivers, Welders, Capenters, Mechanics and other noise makers which includes Bread sellers and bottle sellers and countless folks.

Ph3y  # 4 | 24.12.2008 13:32

=dele26;304244>....... so, what happens to Rear Admiral Harry Arogundade? Harry just walked.........that's what happened. All this noise is just to shift public attention away from the real issues...............

Walking  # 5 | 24.12.2008 15:02

This is a very good development, its shows someone is doing his job rather than pursuing contracts. I sincerely feel this will go a long way to help Nigerians walk freely without much harrassment from the kaki boys. On the other hands, Nigerians should endeavour to exhibit good attitude to the Kaki boys as well. A lot of Nigerians are still very aggressive and would not mind to beat up any military guy who cautions them. Pls we need to shelve this attitude and let the nation experience a new season. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

SOJOURNER  # 6 | 24.12.2008 15:47

=Walking;304312>This is a very good development, its shows someone is doing his job rather than pursuing contracts. I sincerely feel this will go a long way to help Nigerians walk freely without much harrassment from the kaki boys. On the other hands, Nigerians should endeavour to exhibit good attitude to the Kaki boys as well. A lot of Nigerians are still very aggressive and would not mind to beat up any military guy who cautions them. Pls we need to shelve this attitude and let the nation experience a new season. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. a bloody civilian trying to beat up a military man who caution him.a bloody civilian will not even dare to challenge a military even though he is in the right talkless of beating him up .nigeria is the only country i know that a man in uniform could horse whip a bloody civilian for a traffic offence and the victim would still be shouting oga i beg you

i-go-better  # 7 | 24.12.2008 17:22

Kudos to Saharareporters and other Internet based anti-corruption warriors. The Utomis and this UMYA government who denigrate the power of this medium better watch their political back. The paradign shift in power equation has just begun. Why would Chief-of-Army/Naval/Air-Staff need a siren? what do they use it for? Their official cars are fully air-conditioned and comfortable. And the only war/emergency going on now in Nigeria is Armed Robbery, so it would not be out of place to permit a Police sergeant/inspector the use of siren cars instead of these service chiefs.

eka2  # 8 | 24.12.2008 23:22

=Walking;304312>This is a very good development, its shows someone is doing his job rather than pursuing contracts. I sincerely feel this will go a long way to help Nigerians walk freely without much harrassment from the kaki boys. Walking if you sincerely believe that bovine excreta you just passed off, I've got prime ocean-front property in Sabon-Gari Kano to sell you real cheap. Ask the IG Mike Okiro what happens to his "ban" on 20 naira "stop-in-search" murderous police roadblocks that are everywhere on our highways. BTW, I'm convinced that most nigerians deserve to be mentally horsewhipped out of their collective stupor. It is our only way out of this cesspool of a condition. All the window dressing proclamations from the corrupt ruling class dont mean sh*t out here on the streets and wont save our smelly arses.

Gbolly  # 9 | 25.12.2008 00:10

We are moving towards the sunlight of civilization... Thanks to all the internet-based news media and to all the contributors for speaking up.

Ph3y  # 10 | 25.12.2008 14:00

=Walking;304312> Nigerians should endeavour to exhibit good attitude??? to the Kaki boys as well. A lot of Nigerians are still very aggressive and would not mind to beat up any military guy who cautions them:source. Pls we need to shelve this attitude and let the nation experience a new season. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Your above posts is very funny o.......Is it possible to exhibit good attitudes to people who don't do the same towards you? Respect is reciprocal, tell the "Khaki boys" to show some respect first then we will respect them. As for beating up military guys i no sure say u live in naija o.......How many millitary people have civillians beaten.....me i haven't seen it o, unless the ones robbers kill in shoot out or civilians mob them after they have shown trigger happiness. Finally, thanx for the good wishes; i wish you same too....:shake::shake: