2019 Elections: Buratai Warns Enemies of Nigeria’s Democracy to Steer clear
BY AMOS DUNIA, ABUJA – The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai has expressed dismay over what he described as “the attitude of desperate politicians” whose unguarded statements and utterances are already inciting the public against the Army.
This is even as he assured that the Nigerian Army will remain apolitical and neutral before, during, and after the general elections.
He reiterated 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.
The COAS said the military would adopt a proactive measure to quickly nip in the bud electoral crimes inimical to national security.
He therefore warned that any individual, entity or group who intends to engage in violent activities during the Saturday Presidential and National Assembly elections would be treated as an enemy of democracy.
Buratai, who stated these at a meeting with the Principal Staff Officers, General Officers Commanding and Brigade Commanders at the Nigerian Army Headquarters, Abuja on Wednesday, warned that the Nigerian Army would not hesitate to deal with such persons appropriately.
The COAS said the Nigerian Army has zero tolerance for activities with potential to undermine the country’s nascent democracy, stressing that the Army has since resolved to rise up, challenge and foil the attempt by anyone or group with violence proclivity to disrupt Saturday’s elections.
He said; “We shall be on the alert to see that their devilish, callous and retrogressive plots do not come to pass.”
Buratai noted that many parts of the country have enjoined relative peace and calmness prior to the election as a result of the launch of “Operation Safe Conduct”, “Python Dance III” and other military operations.
The Army Chief also warned his personnel to avoid fraternizing with retired Army officers who are now aspiring for various political offices.
He pointedly said that the Nigerian Army would not provide military escorts for politicians on election day and therefore advised the General Officers Commanding (GOCs) to quickly report incidents of security breach to the Nigerian Army security observation room for timely emergency response.
