Election 2019: Army probes alleged misconduct of soldiers in Bayelsa, Oyo, Ogun
- The Nigerian Army has launched a probe into the allegations of unprofessional conduct against its personnel
- It was complains galore on the conduct of soldiers during the presidential and National Assembly elections
- Governors of Bayelsa, Oyo and Ogun states had lodged a formal complaint against some soldiers with the Army headquarters
Following allegations of misconduct against some soldiers in the recent presidential and National Assembly elections, the Nigerian Army on Wednesday, March 6, said it has launched a probe into the allegations of unprofessional conduct against its personnel.
Speaking at a meeting with Principal Staff Officers (PSOs), General Officers Commanding (GOCs) and Operational Commanders (OCs) in Abuja, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, disclosed that the governors of Bayelsa, Oyo and Ogun states had lodged a formal complaint against some soldiers with the Army headquarters.
He said the army has inaugurated a high-powered committee to look into the allegations of unprofessional conduct levelled against its personnel during the last election.
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His words: “There have been reports of alleged compromises by some personnel during the elections. We have received complaints from some stakeholders, major political parties, governors of Bayelsa, Oyo and Ogun states of allegation of misconduct as well as unprofessional conduct by some of our personnel.
“Unfortunately, some other states have gone to the press with unsubstantiated allegation without resort to the Nigerian Army leadership.
“Nonetheless, all these complaints are noted and will be addressed appropriately. A high-powered committee had been convened and instituted to investigate all cases of alleged misconduct by troops arising from the 2019 general election.
“This is aimed at ensuring that all cases are thoroughly looked into for the purpose of dispensation of justice and to uphold Nigerian Army’s credibility, professionalism and apolitical stand.”
Addressing the officers on the conduct of soldiers in the coming elections, he warned them against hobnobbing with politicians, guard against any surprise attack and to be ready to deal ruthlessly against any post election violence.
He also warned that, “they must act according to the rules of engagement and within the code of conduct as well as have respect for fundamental human rights in the performance of their assigned roles.”
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Meanwhile, a coalition of civil society organisations and election observers has alleged that there is a military siege on the Niger Delta region ahead of Saturday, March 9, governorship and state House of Assembly elections.
The group made the allegation at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, March 9, stressing that the military has no constitutional power to superintendent over the conduct of elections in the country.
The coalition claimed that the deployment of soldiers to the region is aimed at intimidating, harassing and building unnecessary tension around an election process which, ordinarily, should be a civil exercise.
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