<\/p>\n
In a strongly-worded direct response to a recent statement by the
\nDirector-General of Buhari Campaign Organisation, Governor Rotimi Amaechi,
\nbacking soldiers who refused to fight Boko Haram, which the military
\nconsidered as mutiny, the DHQ on Friday warned politicians, especially
\nthose campaigning for the 2015 general elections against meddling in
\npurely administrative, operational and tactical decisions of the services
\n\u201cthat could undermine the country’s security system.\u201d<\/p>\n
This is coming as Amaechi\u2019s party, the All Progressives Congress pushed
\nback on an earlier statement by the Buhari Campaign Organisation, saying
\nthe Rivers State governor did not encourage mutiny but merely said the
\nmilitary personnel could always assert their right to good welfare
\npackages even as they engage in the defence of the nation’s territorial
\nboundaries.<\/p>\n
The Director of Defence Information (DDI) Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, gave
\nthis stern caution to politicians in a press statement, urging them to be
\ncareful in their utterances in relation to the recent General
\nCourt-Martial where several soldiers were condemned to death.<\/p>\n
Olukolade said that in view of the series of insinuations, allegations and
\nfalse claims being made by certain activists and politicians on the legal
\nand disciplinary process in the Nigerian military, the Defence
\nHeadquarters (DHQ) finds it necessary to call on politicians to avoid
\nusing the forum or medium of their political campaigns to incite or
\nendorse acts of indiscipline in the nation\u2019s military establishments.<\/p>\n
According to him, this call has become necessary as the trend got to
\nanother level on Tuesday when a prominent politician declared that \u201cThe
\nsoldiers have the right to protest against Federal Government\u2019s failure to
\nfully equip them\u201d.<\/p>\n
Amaechi, while speaking recently on the outcome of the military
\ncourt-martial, said that the soldiers were entitled to protest.<\/p>\n
“It was expected that the fellow quoted or his party would have made
\nimmediate moves to correct this fallacy or erroneous impression being
\npropagated especially in view of the level of knowledge of his principal
\nand candidate in forthcoming elections”, the DDI said.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, Olukolade noted, no such gesture seem to be forthcoming.
\nHe emphasized: “There is therefore the need to caution against the
\npropagation of this dangerous idea before it causes more problems.<\/p>\n
“For the avoidance of any doubt, the military institution rejects this
\ndeclaration and its intention in all ramifications. The military law as
\nrecognized by the Constitution of the Federation is an appropriate legal
\ndocument for the management of affairs of the military.<\/p>\n
“The processes it outlines for handling military offences remain legal and
\nwill continue to be applied in the interest of the nation\u2019s security and
\ndemocracy.”<\/p>\n
The Defence Spokesman stressed that individuals and interest groups
\nseeking to play to the gallery by being meddlesome, sensational or
\nmischievous in interpreting developments in the military are advised to
\nmoderate their activities with some decorum.<\/p>\n
It is clear, Olukolade stated, that the false accusations that depended on
\nunsubstantiated allegations being peddled on the military operations in
\nNigeria are intended to tarnish the reputation of Nigerian military and
\nits leadership.<\/p>\n
He further warned: “The campaign apparently aimed at undermining
\nconstituted authority in the military must not be encouraged. It is
\nobvious that most of the comments and sensational stories in the media
\nhave been oblivious of the fact that the processes are still ongoing and
\nyet to be concluded.”<\/p>\n
The DDI clarified that “the war on terror is not all about equipment but
\nmindset of both the military and the public, adding that “inciting remarks
\ncan only compound the situation for all involved”.<\/p>\n
He assured that the military was resolved to prosecute the counter
\nterrorism campaign with all sense of commitment by the rank and file.<\/p>\n
Olukolade remarked that the tendency to suggest or encourage dissention in
\nthe system would not yield any advantage to any well-meaning Nigerian.<\/p>\n
“Politicians are therefore requested to guide their utterances as the
\nmilitary remains a veritable institution of the state. Those who seek to
\nundermine or destroy it should be prevailed upon to stop the mission
\nconsidering the fact that the institution remains indispensable to
\ngovernment and its process under any dispensation.<\/p>\n
“The Nigerian military reiterates its commitment to defending the nation\u2019s
\ndemocracy. Individuals and personalities are enjoined to refrain from
\npronouncement and attitude that seek to undermine the established
\njustice\/disciplinary procedures and processes of the military system,” he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
According to Olukolade, this counsel is very vital to the excellent
\ncivil-military relations which is crucial to the nation\u2019s development.
\nHe insisted that “incitement to protests or mutiny in the military is an
\nill wind that will ultimately blow no good to anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
Olukolade continued: “The military authorities should not be blackmailed
\nwith a view to forestalling the exercise of due command and control over
\nthe system as established by law in the interest of the nation.<\/p>\n
“The Nigerian military has resolved not to yield to whims and caprices of
\nthose seeking to undermine its system purely for populist or political
\nends.”<\/p>\n
ThisDay<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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