Election: Don’t disgrace Nigerian army – GOC warns soldiers deployed cover polls
The General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede has warned troops of the 2 Brigade Nigerian Army to be professional in their duties during the forthcoming general elections in the country.
Specifically, he urged them not to disgrace the army by collecting money from any politician and bringing the army to disrepute during and after the election.
Oluyede, who is the Commander, Operation Delta Safe gave the warning while addressing officers at Ibagwa Barracks in Abak Local Government area of Akwa Ibom State
He said the duty of the Army is to assist the police to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order during and after the elections and remain apolitical throughout the elections, stressing that Nigeria is the only country for everyone and must be protected.
Oluyede also warned the officers and men to be security conscious anywhere they are deployed, to avoid casualties as the army would do everything to ensure their safety.
He, however, reminded them that they have their families to take care of and should not indulge in any activity that would waste their lives stressing that the Nigerian situation is “abnormal.”
“Nigeria belongs to all of us. As your GOC, I urge you to do what is right. You are not supposed to support anybody, you are not supposed to disgrace the army by collecting money, and you are not supposed to carry a ballot box for anybody. The Chief of Army Staff has made it very clear, that the Army is nonpartisan. Let the people choose who they want.
“Your duty during the elections is to assist the police to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order. The duty of a soldier is not to help anybody and carry the ballot box. Any person found culpable would be decisively dealt with.” The GOC stated.
