The National Democratic Front (NDF) a civil society organization, has condemned several moves to stop the proposed nationwide Operation Python Dance III exercise by the Nigerian Army.
The group said it is important to separate politics from real issue that would better the nation.
NDF through Bolaji Abdulkadir, its secretary-general, said the action is aimed at truncating democratic process.
“While we cannot question his right and freedom of expression, we are however at a loss as to how putting measures to ensure smooth and peaceful elections has constituted into an infringement of rights and privileges as canvassed by Malcolm Omirhobo,” he said at a press conference in Jos.
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“It is our considered opinion that since the Nigerian Army is constitutionally mandated to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria, the introduction of Operation Python Dance 3 is not only in line with its constitutional mandate, but also a welcome development given the intended outcome of ensuring peaceful general elections.
“This much the Nigerian Army has stated for the introduction of Operation Python Dance 3 which is to tackle challenges coupled with other security threats across the country such as terrorism, militancy, kidnapping, and banditry.”
“The NDF as an organisation is not in the habit of joining issues with individuals whose known antecedent is to cause a distraction on critical government business such as this, and in times past when it sued the federal government for stopping the sale of petroleum products in jerry cans.
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“The NDF has stated in many forays that mixing politics with National Security is and has never been in the best interest of the country, and consequently wonders why such an act should be on the front burner as we approach the elections.”
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