The Nigerian Army said on Tuesday that the allegations of interference by the military in many states during the 2019 General elections leveled against its personnel were not true noting that the investigation it instituted has absolved its personnel from allegations of misconduct during Operation Safe Conduct.
It emphasized that allegations of planned assassination on a serving governor (Nyesom Wike), planned abduction of an INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner and alleged diversion of INEC materials by troops in Bayelsa state were misrepresented.
The army pointed out however that the unprofessional conduct of some of its personnel, was still being investigated and such personnel would face military law once investigations are completed.
A statement by Col Sagir Musa, Acting Director Army Public Relations said, “A committee set up by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai to investigate the allegations of unprofessional conduct leveled against the Nigerian Army personnel during the 2019 general elections interacted with stakeholders including Governors of Bayelsa and Rivers States, among others.
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” 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.
“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.
“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 Nigerian Army’s image.
“However, 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.
“It is also pertinent to inform the public 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.”
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