*Report by Mudasir Opeyemi
President Muhammadu Buhari has charged the Nigerian Army to remain apolitical and continue to operate within the framework of the constitution to ensure the successful conduct of the 2023 elections.
President Buhari said this on Monday while declaring open the Chief of Army Staff’s Annual Conference in Sokoto.
According to a statement by Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman,
The president said it is vital that the armed forces support the civil authority by providing a peaceful environment to enable the success of the forthcoming elections.
He urged the Army to continue to improve their Human Rights obligations during operations in line with global best practices.
The President described improved obligations by security agencies on this issue as ‘‘the major pathway for winning the hearts and minds of the people.’’
He charged the Nigerian Army to adopt the same method it deployed in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun governorship elections.
He expressed delight that the Chief of Army Staff has already issued a reviewed Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct to guide personnel during the general elections.
“The professionalism you exhibited in the successful conduct of the Anambra, Osun, and Ekiti states elections should also be reflected in the 2023 general elections,“Buhari was quoted as saying
President Buhari also challenged the army to focus on consolidating on the achievements made so far and ensure continuity to improve the country’s security situation.
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He tasked them to evolve enduring strategies that will consolidate their efforts in securing the country.
“As a key element of our national power, the Nigerian Army will continue to be a major catalyst for our development especially by providing the needed aid to civil authority,”he said.
“This administration has therefore maintained a robust policy towards modernisation of the Nigerian army and the armed forces in general.
“It is evident that the ongoing progressive modernisation of the Nigerian army under our administration has greatly improved the capabilities as well as combat efficiency of the service to discharge its roles.”
President Buhari commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya and other Service Chiefs as well as Heads of various Security agencies for their determination and improved synergy in accomplishing his directives.
The president said the provision of security to Nigerians would continue to receive special attention by his administration, adding that deliberate actions are ongoing to provide the necessary support to enhance national security.