By: Felix Ikpotor
The Nigerian Army has absolved its personnel from allegations of misconduct during the 2019 geberal elections in Rivers and Bayelsa states .
PHSpectator recalls that during and after the elections the army came under serious criticisms from governors, politicians and other members of the public, accusing them of aiding rigging in the areas.
A committee was immediately set up by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai to investigate the allegations.
According to a statement by Col. Sagir Musa who is the Acting Director Army Public Relations, the committee interacted with stakeholders including Governors of Bayelsa and Rivers States, among others.
The Committee analyzed and reviewed the petitions received against Nigerian Army personnel from various stakeholders and found that most of the allegations were untrue, baseless and unsubstantiated claims.
He added: “It was also found out that the allegations of alleged assassination attempt, soldiers unilaterally imposed curfew, abducted and illegally detained INEC staff and diverted INEC materials to Nembe-Basambiri was misrepresented”.
Musa said the Committee received submissions from some individuals in the state which revealed that painting Nigerian Army as the aggressor during the elections was a deliberate attempt by some individuals to tarnish the army’s image.
The statement however said, the unprofessional conduct of some personnel was still under investigation and appropriate sanctions will be meted on the offenders according to military law, if found guilty.
Musa also disclosed that steps are underway for the gradual administrative redeployment of personnel in 6 Division to douse the observation by some individuals that troops have overstayed especially in Abonnema community.
