Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai (retd) was not only grossly partisan, but encouraged other Army officers to become political collaborators, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has said.
Wike spoke when he received Buratai’s successor, Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru, on courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
He claimed that such political involvement was responsible for the attempt by the Army to upturn the mandate of Rivers people during the last general elections.
While appealing to Attahiru to toe a different path, the Governor said the Army led by Buratai as playing despicable role in the election.
“It was a big shame, what happened in 2019 in this State. I am sure you must have watched it on television. I am sure you must have watched where the 6 Division turned to INEC office with ballot papers everywhere.”
Governor Wike also challenged the Chief of Army Staff to be greater patriotic to the united states of america and prevent the function the Army and other protection corporations play in encouraging nonperformance via elected political office holders.
He stated if politicians know that soldiers and cops will no longer be gotten smaller to rig elections for them, they will be greater responsive to the electorate due to the fact their votes will depend.
“Election in Nigeria is no longer determined by means of overall performance. It is decided via you being connected to safety corporations and INEC. If it became based totally on performance you’ll see maximum politicians will exchange. If you don’t perform they may vote you out. ”
“We know that with the form of enjoy you've got, and together with your stage of schooling, the difference might be clean. Let me use this opportunity to mention there's need with a view to make a distinction, to carry lower back the respect Nigerians used to have for the Armed forces.
“In those days whilst you see a soldier you run, in recent times it is hard due to the fact squaddies were exposed to politics. I want you to make a difference, to say your interest is to guard Nigerians; to fight bandits, to fight insurgency and now not to hold poll bins.
Speaking similarly, Governor Wike stated that the new Chief of Army Staff has began off his challenge nicely, which has begun restoring public confidence in the Army.
Governor Wike harped on the want for the withdrawal of Army officers drafted as security employees to guard politicians because it reduces the number of officers available to guard the sovereignty of the united states of america.
“I believe you may display distinction that you aren't right here for politicians. You’re right here to shield the territorial integrity of Nigeria. From the little you have got finished because you came, we're starting to see difference, but don’t exchange.”
He entreated him to keep on the direction of professionalism, commit to preventing cultists, insurgents and all illegal activity, to ensure that Nigeria is secure.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru said he become inside the kingdom on assessment of 6 Division of the Nigerian Army.
Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru commended the governor for the winning peace and safety in Rivers State and his 0 tolerance for separatist companies
“I additionally thanks for your continued non tolerance technique towards separatist businesses and also your contribution in promoting peaceful coexistence some of the numerous communities that lives in Rivers State.”
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