Don’t endorse indiscipline in military, Army warns politicians

The Nigerian military yesterday warned politicians and activists against against actions capable of inciting or endorsing indiscipline in the Nigerian Arm Forces.

In a statement signed by the Director Defence Information, Maj.General Chris Olukolade, it said the call became necessary “as the trend got to another level on Tuesday when a prominent politician declared that “The soldiers have the right to protest for the Federal Government’s failure to fully equip them”.

The statement said that “It was expected that the fellow quoted or his party would have made immediate moves to correct this fallacy or erroneous impression being propagated especially in view of the level of knowledge of his principal and candidate in forthcoming elections. Unfortunately, no such gesture seem to be forthcoming. There is therefore the need to caution against the propagation of this dangerous idea before it causes more problems.

“For the avoidance of any doubt, the military institution rejects this declaration and its intention in all ramifications. The military law as recognized by the Constitution of the Federation is an appropriate legal document for the management of affairs of the military. The processes it outlines for handling military offences remain legal and will continue to be applied in the interest of the nation’s security and democracy.

“Individuals and interest groups seeking to play to the gallery by being meddlesome, sensational or mischievous in interpreting developments in the military are advised to moderate their activities with some decorum. It is clear that the false accusations that depend on unsubstantiated allegations being peddled on the military operations in Nigeria are intended to tarnish the reputation of Nigerian military and its leadership. The campaign apparently aimed at undermining constituted authority in the military must not be encouraged.

source: vanguard