Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai has said that the army will obey to the letter the directive from the president on election conduct.
Buratai spoke on Wednesday, as he picked hole in Tuesday’s statement attributed to the presidential candidate of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, asking the Nigerian Army to disregard President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive to deal ruthlessly with ballot box snatchers in the coming general elections.
Addressing Principal Staff Officers, General Officers Commanding and Brigade Commanders ahead of the polls billed to commence this Saturday, February 23, Buratai warned politicians and their supporters against testing the will of the army, insisting that those found to have violated the law, will be treated in line with President Buhari’s directive.
Although he did not categorically mention the former Vice President’s name, his description of his target pointed to the PDP presidential candidate.
Buratai disclosed that personnel attached to retired Army Generals, especially those who have become politicians will be withdrawn just as he said no political actors will be allowed army escort.
He warned officers against playing partisan roles, saying those with such feelings had up to Friday, February 22 to resign.