The Nigerian military has pledged to protect the country’s democracy even as the electioneering process progresses.
The Defence Headquarters is not unaware of the tension that has trailed the roles of the military in the ongoing political activities but assured citizens that the military will continue to work for the sustenance of peace, law, order and stability in the country before during and after the elections.
In a statement signed by Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, the military promised to remain professional, apolitical and non-partisan in all operations related to the 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.” the statement said.
The statement warned the military to remain ever conscious of their service oath and solemn commitment to protect the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria even while remaining loyal to constituted authorities in the country.
It stressed that no excuse will be acceptable for any act of commission or omission that tend to compromise the law or the electoral process as well as decent conduct or judgment on the part of any service personnel while discharging duties related to elections in any part of the country.
“It is therefore advised that Nigerians should also endeavor to insulate the military from partisan politics and retain their confidence in its neutrality and sense of patriotism at this critical point.”
