(LOCAL) Army Sets Up Committee To Probe Alleged Misconduct During Election

 

  The Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, made this known at a meeting with Principal Staff Officers, General Officers Commanding (GOCs), and Commanders at the Army Headquarters in Abuja. Mr Buratai explained that the committee was constituted to ensure that “all cases’’ were thoroughly looked into so as to“dispense justice.’’

   “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 allegations 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 army leadership. “Nonetheless, all these complaints are noted and will be addressed appropriately.’’

     On soldiers killed during the February 23 elections, Mr Buratai vowed that those responsible would be fished out and made to face justice. An officer and two other soldiers were killed by gunmen at Abonema in Akuku Toru Local Government Area of Rivers, during the presidential and national assembly elections.

  He said: “Let no one be in doubt that those desperate politicians and criminals that attacked our troops in the course of carrying out their legitimate duties will be tracked down and brought to justice.

   “In line with the tradition of the army, they will be given heroic burial as they are indeed the heroes of our democracy. “I have directed that their full entitlements be paid. “As we mourn the death of the young officer and soldiers killed in the course of their lawful duty during the recently held election, I want to assure their families that their death will not be in vain.’’

   The army chief appealed to the youth to shun any attempt by any politician to use them to perpetrate any form of violence. He warned that this time around (March 9), the army “shall be tough on those who plan to rig or disrupt the electoral process.’’ “I want to state and categorically warn that the army will not tolerate any acts that will undermine national security.’’

   Mr Buratai, therefore, charged the commanders to ensure robust and extensive patrols on Saturday, enforce the no movement restrictions and dealt decisively with any act of electoral violence.   He said that recent security threat analysis of the March 9 elections showed that politicians had made plans to use all means available to truncate the peaceful conduct of the elections.

PREMIUM TIMES