by Kolapo Olapoju
The Defence Headquarters has guaranteed Nigerians that the military would endeavour to be unbiased while discharging their constitutional security responsibilities during next month’s general elections.
An e-mail statement released by the Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen Chris Olukolade, on Wednesday, February 11, stated that the military remains committed to securing the country before, during and after the elections.
According to Olukolade, the leaders of the military are also beneficiaries of the democratic governance, and as such, would not do anything to derail it.
He said: “The Defence Headquarters has noted the palpable tension being generated in certain quarters with regards to the roles of the Nigerian military in the on-going political activities and recent developments especially in relation to the electioneering programmes in the country.”
“Accordingly, it has become necessary to reassure all citizens that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to its duty in working to ensure the sustenance of peace, law, order and stability in the country before, during and after the forthcoming elections.”
“It is also important to reassure Nigerians that the military will, while working with all security agencies and stake holders in the process, remain professional, apolitical and non-partisan in all operations or activities related to this crucial exercise.”
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria is quite conscious of the fact that apart from its primary constitutional role of defending the country from external aggression and internal insurrection, it also has the responsibility of providing support in aid of civil authority such as the need to provide complementary security arrangement to protect our electoral process.”
“It is on record that the military has successfully lived up to its responsibility while discharging this duty during previous elections without equivocation.”
