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From Tony John, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has advised the military to be apolitical in the discharge of their duties throughout the elections.
He said in the interest of the country’s democratisation process, the military must adhere to President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief of efence staff (CDS) and Chief of Army Staff (CAS) commitment not to interfere in the general election.
He stated this during the 6 Division West African Social Activities (WASA) 2022 in Port Harcourt.
Wike, who was the special guest of honour on the occasion, commended the military for its active role in fighting crime in the state. He urged officers and men of the 6 Division to work with personnel of other security agencies to provide a level playing field for all political parties and politicians in the state.
The governor, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Emeka Woke said: “We want to thank you for the relationship we have enjoyed. You have also contributed a lot in terms of crime fighting. But as you are aware, we are now in election season. It is on public notice that Mr. President and commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces has said, at different forums that he will not interfere in the forthcoming election.
“And that he will ensure a free and fair election. The CDS has also said the military will be apolitical and they will not interfere in the general election. I want to believe men and officers of this 6 Division will follow suit.
“I want to believe they will follow the position of Mr. President, CDS and CAS not to interfere in politics. I am saying this because of the ugly experience the people who live and do business in Rivers State had during the last election.”
Governor Wike recalled how the Nigerian Army in Bori camp barracks, which is the headquarters of the 6 Division in Port Harcourt, was practically converted to a collation centre during the 2019 governorship election. He expressed dismay that the military allowed itself to be used to interfere in what ordinarily ought to be a civil exercise.
The governor, however, said with the level of discipline and focus that the present officers of the 6 Division have shown and exhibited, he is hopeful there would not be a re-enactment of the despicable incidences of 2019 general election.
“Allow the citizens of Rivers State to exercise their civil responsibility in an atmosphere of free and fair election. Work with other security agencies to provide level playing field for politicians,” He said.
He congratulated the Chief of Army Staff, Faruq Yahaya, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), O. O. Oluyede, and the personnel of the 6 Division for a successful completion of the training in 2022 and the beginning of a new year, 2023.
Governor Wike extolled the GOC 6 Division for efforts put in place since his assumption of office to fight criminality, especially in areas of crude oil theft and kidnapping in his area of responsibility.
