CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF LT GEN TY BURATAIThe Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, has made it clear that his men and officers will deal with individual, entity or group who may engage in violent activities during the forthcoming Presidential and National Assembly elections, describing such people as enemies of democracy.
Buratai, who spoke today, Wednesday at a meeting with the Principal Staff Officers, General Officers Commanding and Brigade Commanders at the Nigerian Army Headquarters Abuja, said that the Nigerian Army has zero tolerance for activities with potential to undermine the country’s nascent democracy.
“The Nigerian Army has since resolved to rise up, challenge and foil the attempt by anyone or group with violence proclivity to disrupt Saturday’s elections. We shall be on the alert, to see that their devilish, callous and retrogressive plots do not come to pass.”
General Buratai expressed dismay over the attitude of desperate politicians whose unguarded statements and utterances are already inciting the public against the Army.
He said that the military would adopt a proactive measure to quickly nip in the bud electoral crimes inimical to national security.
The Army Chief warned his personnel to avoid fraternizing with formers army officers who are now aspiring for various political offices.
He pointed out that the army would not provide military escorts for politicians on election day.
He advised the army GOCs to quickly report incidents of security breach to the Nigerian Army security observation room for timely emergency response.
The Chief of Army Staff said that many parts of the country have enjoined relative peace and calmness prior to the election, as a result of the launching of “Operation Safe Conduct,” “Python Dance III” and other military operations.
He said that the Army will remain apolitical and neutral before, during, and after the polls, adding: “I wish to reiterate the commitment of the men and officers of the Nigerian Army to discharge their responsibilities professionally, and responsively, in line with best global standards of military engagement.”
