In a strongly-worded direct response to a recent statement by the
Director-General of Buhari Campaign Organisation, Governor Rotimi Amaechi,
backing soldiers who refused to fight Boko Haram, which the military
considered as mutiny, the DHQ on Friday warned politicians, especially
those campaigning for the 2015 general elections against meddling in
purely administrative, operational and tactical decisions of the services
“that could undermine the country’s security system.”
This is coming as Amaechi’s party, the All Progressives Congress pushed
back on an earlier statement by the Buhari Campaign Organisation, saying
the Rivers State governor did not encourage mutiny but merely said the
military personnel could always assert their right to good welfare
packages even as they engage in the defence of the nation’s territorial
boundaries.
The Director of Defence Information (DDI) Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, gave
this stern caution to politicians in a press statement, urging them to be
careful in their utterances in relation to the recent General
Court-Martial where several soldiers were condemned to death.
Olukolade said that in view of the series of insinuations, allegations and
false claims being made by certain activists and politicians on the legal
and disciplinary process in the Nigerian military, the Defence
Headquarters (DHQ) finds it necessary to call on politicians to avoid
using the forum or medium of their political campaigns to incite or
endorse acts of indiscipline in the nation’s military establishments.
According to him, this call has become necessary as the trend got to
another level on Tuesday when a prominent politician declared that “The
soldiers have the right to protest against Federal Government’s failure to
fully equip them”.
Amaechi, while speaking recently on the outcome of the military
court-martial, said that the soldiers were entitled to protest.
“It was expected that the fellow quoted or his party would have made
immediate moves to correct this fallacy or erroneous impression being
propagated especially in view of the level of knowledge of his principal
and candidate in forthcoming elections”, the DDI said.
Unfortunately, Olukolade noted, no such gesture seem to be forthcoming.
He emphasized: “There is therefore the need to caution against the
propagation of this dangerous idea before it causes more problems.
“For the avoidance of any doubt, the military institution rejects this
declaration and its intention in all ramifications. The military law as
recognized by the Constitution of the Federation is an appropriate legal
document for the management of affairs of the military.
“The processes it outlines for handling military offences remain legal and
will continue to be applied in the interest of the nation’s security and
democracy.”
The Defence Spokesman stressed that individuals and interest groups
seeking to play to the gallery by being meddlesome, sensational or
mischievous in interpreting developments in the military are advised to
moderate their activities with some decorum.
It is clear, Olukolade stated, that the false accusations that depended on
unsubstantiated allegations being peddled on the military operations in
Nigeria are intended to tarnish the reputation of Nigerian military and
its leadership.
He further warned: “The campaign apparently aimed at undermining
constituted authority in the military must not be encouraged. It is
obvious that most of the comments and sensational stories in the media
have been oblivious of the fact that the processes are still ongoing and
yet to be concluded.”
The DDI clarified that “the war on terror is not all about equipment but
mindset of both the military and the public, adding that “inciting remarks
can only compound the situation for all involved”.
He assured that the military was resolved to prosecute the counter
terrorism campaign with all sense of commitment by the rank and file.
Olukolade remarked that the tendency to suggest or encourage dissention in
the system would not yield any advantage to any well-meaning Nigerian.
“Politicians are therefore requested to guide their utterances as the
military remains a veritable institution of the state. Those who seek to
undermine or destroy it should be prevailed upon to stop the mission
considering the fact that the institution remains indispensable to
government and its process under any dispensation.
“The Nigerian military reiterates its commitment to defending the nation’s
democracy. Individuals and personalities are enjoined to refrain from
pronouncement and attitude that seek to undermine the established
justice/disciplinary procedures and processes of the military system,” he
said.
According to Olukolade, this counsel is very vital to the excellent
civil-military relations which is crucial to the nation’s development.
He insisted that “incitement to protests or mutiny in the military is an
ill wind that will ultimately blow no good to anyone.”
Olukolade continued: “The military authorities should not be blackmailed
with a view to forestalling the exercise of due command and control over
the system as established by law in the interest of the nation.
“The Nigerian military has resolved not to yield to whims and caprices of
those seeking to undermine its system purely for populist or political
ends.”
ThisDay