Buratai
Chief
of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, has described any
individual, entity or group who intends to engage in violent
activities during the forthcoming Presidential and National Assembly
elections has enemies of democracy.
He
warned that the Nigerian Army would not hesitate to deal with them
appropriately.
Buratai
made this known at a meeting with the Principal Staff Officers,
General Officers Commanding and Brigade Commanders at the Nigerian
Army Headquarters Abuja.
Speaking
at the meeting, General Buratai said 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,"
he said.
The
Chief of Army Staff disclosed that many parts of the country have
enjoyed 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, noting: "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."
Buratai
expressed dismay over the attitude of desperate politicians whose
unguarded statements and utterances are already inciting the public
against the Army.
He
said 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 woyld 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.
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