The Nigerian Army has warned its officers and soldiers against partisanship and involvement in political activities during the 2019 campaigns and elections.
In a statement issued by Col. Sagir Musa, Director, Army Public Relations, the Army warned that none of its personnel should be involved in political campaigns, escort of Very Important Personalities for political missions and aiding or supporting any political party.
The statement was issued as a reaction to allegations that a yet-to-be-identified military officer was involved in politics in Rivers State.
Musa said the army investigated and found the allegation not to be true. He said further that the military had made “it sufficiently and consistently clear that none of its personnel will be involved in political campaigns in several official circulars and statements.”
“Our rules of engagement and code of conduct have not assigned any political role to the Army in this regard. The Army’s involvement in the elections starts and ends with the provision of peaceful and secure environment for the conduct of the 2019 General Elections.
“The army strongly believes the citizens have complementary constitutional roles to play, especially towards ensuring national security, information management, peace and safety of Nigerians.
“None of our personnel will be involved in political campaigns, escort of VIPs for political missions and, above all, aiding or supporting any political party as has been circulated in official circulars and statements.”
He said that Lt.-Gen Tukur Buratai, the Chief of the Army Staff, had ordered all personnel to uphold the tenets of military professionalism and be guided by the rules of engagement and the Constitution of Nigeria during and after the elections.