Buratai to probe Army’s role in Ekiti, Rivers elections

The Nigerian Army has set up a committee to probe the allegations partisanship of its officers and soldiers in the last general elections in some states, including, Ekiti, Osun, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen. Tukur Buratai, who constituted a five-man board of generals to carry out the investigation appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division of the Nigeria Army, Maj. Gen. Adeniyi Oyebade, as Chairman of the board.
Other members of the board are Brig. Gen. Sunday Araoye, Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Kabuk, Brig. Gen. Baba Ibrahim and Col. Danladi Salihu who will serve as its secretary.
Addressing newsmen in Kaduna, yesterday, Gen Oyebade said: “There are allegations made by the general public on the gubernatorial elections conducted in some states such as Ekiti, Osun, Rivers and Akwa Ibom among others.
“These allegations are weighty and Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Buratai is determined to get to the root of the matter. The COAS insists on maintaining a professionally responsive Nigerian Army determined on discharging its constitutional roles, and as such instituted this Board of Inquiry.

Read also: After elections annulment, offenders must be punished –Buhari

“The panel is to investigate these allegations and recommend appropriate measures to prevent a re-occurrence in the future. The military as a noble profession must remain apolitical in our democratic dispensation.
“Politics, we strongly believe should be left entirely to politicians. The role of the military must strictly be in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.
“I must hasten to add, however, that despite these worrisome allegations, the military has to a large extent performed creditably as the foremost guardian of the nation’s democracy.”
“All petitions/memorandum are to be forwarded not later than Fri 20 Nov 2015. The panel shall commence its sitting from 9am – 5pm daily except Sundays starting from today Monday 9, 2015,”

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