Bayelsa dep gov: Don’t blame army for involvement in elections

John Jonah, deputy governor of Bayelsa state, has urged Nigerians not to blame the army for its involvement in the 2019 general election.

Jonah spoke on Saturday at Elebele in Yenogoa during the inauguration of some projects in the 16 brigade barracks otherwise known as “Tukur Buratai Camp” located in the community.

According to NAN, the deputy governor said he had investigated the army involvement in the elections and found that what they did was in line with the directive of  Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff.

He, therefore, appealed to Nigerians to continue to support the army which he described as a stabilising factor, to discharge its duties.

Jonah is a retired naval admiral.

Groups and activists had criticised the role of the military in the elections. The UK mission in Nigeria had even condemned the role of the military in the election.

But Buratai had said the constitution empowers the army to support civil authority in addressing internal security challenges when called upon, citing section 217 of the 1999 constitution as amended.

The army chief said this role also extend to providing security during elections.

He, however, warned those deployed for the conduct of the elections to be professional, respect human rights and remain apolitical.

Earlier, while inaugurating building projects in the barracks, Buratai who was represented by A. A. Saliu, the commander, training and doctrine command – TRADOC, charged officers to always impact positively on their environment.

He promised more fund to provide required infrastructure in the brigade and army formations across the country.

He also called on the citizens to cooperate with the military by providing it with useful information to enable it ensure their safety.