Army raises probe panel over alleged misconduct against its personnel

The Nigerian Army yesterday said a committee has been set up by
the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai to investigate the
alleged interference of military personnel in election processes
across the country.

Its spokesman, Colonel Sagir Musa however, cautioned against
what he called unsubstantiated allegations against the military
during the elections.

He said in a statement in Abuja that the military remained
committed to impartiality and non-interference, before, during and
after the elections.

Colonel Musa said: “The attention of the Nigerian Army (NA) has
been drawn to a publication by an online medium that reported
accusation against the NA of interference in the Rivers State
elections.

“The NA wishes to state that the statement is totally baseless,
untrue and therefore capable of misleading unsuspected members of
the public, especially when there is no credible record of such
involvement anywhere in Nigeria before, during and after the 2019
elections.

“The NA, as a responsible organisation, wishes to debunk such
misrepresentation in order to set the record straight. Similarly,
it is on record that the NA has been globally applauded by many
individuals, foreign and local elections observers for its
sacrifices/roles in creating an enabling environment for a secure,
transparent and peaceful conduct of the elections.

“The NA has also drawn the attention of the public to
mischievous activities of some selfish individuals who recruited
thugs dressed in military uniform and armed to harass and
intimidate their opponents.

“In some cases, as reported, and as indicated in various
intelligence reports, – hoodlums dressed in military fatigue
snatched ballot boxes and other electoral materials. Some INEC
staff was reportedly abducted.

“The NA, for the umpteenth time, reiterates that it will remain
apolitical, neutral and professional in the conduct of the 2019
general election and in all its assigned roles across the nation in
line with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen TY
Buratai.

“The NA has made it clear that its only interest and role in the
entire electioneering processes is purely to assist civil authority
and the Nigerian Police to have a secure and peaceful conduct of
the elections.

“Foreign interests are therefore enjoined to be mindful of
interfering in our national internal affairs especially when there
is no credible evidence. Any allegation against the NA must be
confirmed from appropriate quarters before jumping to
conclusions.

“Already the COAS has set-up a committee to investigate all
complains relating to alleged professional misconduct by NA
personnel in the conduct of the elections.

“Members of the public are further assured of the determination
of the NA to objectively carry out its constitutional duties
irrespective of the baseless accusations especially from those who
felt it has denied them freedom to illegally and selfishly subvert
the choice of Nigerians.

“As a noble institution, the NA, hereby, reassure members of the
public of its determination to deal with any of its personnel whose
actions fall foul of the law.”