Nigerian Army Debunks Allegations By US Department Of State, Describes It Mischievous

Nigerian Army Debunks Allegations By US Department Of State, Describes It Mischievous

The Nigerian Army has debunked the allegations by the United States Department of State that it has intimidated, assaulted voters as well as some staff and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission in the last year’s general elections in the country.

The organisation wondered why a reputable and law-abiding institution like Army would be dragged into unlawful conduct by the US Department of State ,claiming that the organisation’s actions during election was based on international best practices as regards to maintenance of peace and security in the country .

This statement was a response in the allegations made by the US Department of State accusing the Nigerian Army of conniving with the Department of State Security (DSS) in intimidating, chasing and assaulting the voters and working in favour of the ruling party, the All Progressive Congress .

United States Department of State had on Wednesday, released the 2019 country report on Human Rights Practices which it had indicted the Nigerian Army on human rights abuses during 2019 general election that returned President Buhari elected as Nigeria’s President.

The Army had in strong and unequivocal terms, refuted the claims, disassociating itself from it and describing it as being malicious and mischievous, saying that does not represent the reality of the Nigerian Army’s aspirations and operation

The organisation said, it remained resolute and apolitical affirming that this cannot deter it from displaying it’s constitutional mandate in-line with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai’s vision which is to have a professional and responsive army.

It further observed that inspite of the gains recorded in recent time in the war against terrorism and other forms of criminality in the country which has earned her more respect in the international community, the US Department of State would want to tarnish its image and bring its name into disrepute.

The Nigerian Army further affirmed that “it received the report of the US Department of State with rude shock, it was not perturbed over the verdict of the US Department of State, reason being that a motley of local and international bodies and groups also similar mischievous allegations against the Nigerian Army, in the aftermath of the elections.

“However, contrary to the claims contained inside the report, the Nigerian Army, as a responsible and non-partisan security agency, remained apolitical and didn’t work for the success of any political party.

“Similarly, the Nigerian Army, authoritatively wish to assert that it was a neutral party and indeed remained impartial prior, during and after the 2019 polls.

“It would also be recalled that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, in the build up to the election convened a security meeting at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, where he severely cautioned the General Officers Commanding (GOCs), Directors and Commanders of various Army formations and units to remain apolitical, and also to eschew partisanship in order not to smear the Army’s corporate integrity.

“As such, neither its officers or troops involved themselves in wanton gross misconducts, even as they heeded the COAS’ patriotic call, and didn’t molest, intimidate or coaxed the electorates to cast their votes for political parties with vested interest.

To this effect, the Nigerian Army urge wish to restate its unflinching commitment to always acting professionally and responsively, and will always uphold the dignity of human rights”. It affirmed