Following the postponement of the country’s general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has made a new pledge.
The pledge was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the defence spokesman, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, a copy obtained by WVP.
Olukolade in the statement said the Nigerian military pledged not to get involved in party politics, adding that the decision was taken after concerns grew about its role in pushing for the country’s presidential election to be delayed by six weeks.
It would be recalled that the Nigerian military faced accusations of interference when the INEC chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega, disclosed that the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki wrote to him (Jega) that unless INEC delay the earlier scheduled February 14 election, it cannot guarantee the security of its officials.
According to Olukolade, it was imperative to reassure Nigerians on military roles following the tension being generated by politicians in the ongoing political activities and recent developments, particularly in relation to electioneering, “it is important to reassure Nigerians that the military will remain professional, apolitical and non-partisan in all operations related to (elections).”
The defence spokesman, however, revealed that the military requested a six-week delays in order to enable the institution contain the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeastern part of the country.
Meanwhile, there have been reports making waves that the Nigerian military conspired with the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to rig last year’s governorship election in Ekiti State, that brought in Ayo Fayose as the state’s Governor, an allegation the military authority is yet to respond to.
It is however, believed that any more attempt to shift the country’s presidential election slated for March 28 could trigger unrest especially in opposition strongholds states.
Recall that Major-General Olukolade, in an interview with the Voice of America (VOA) on Tuesday February 10 said the military institution is committed to securing the country in time for the new dates of the general elections.
Meanwhile, the APC has narrated how the PDP- led administration of President Goodluck Jonathan plots to scuttle democracy in Nigeria through the use of the military institution.
Recall also that the APC recently hinted that the Federal Government is currently holding a 3-day meeting with all the military commanders to allegedly plan the postponed general elections rigging.
Comments
Post a Comment