Buratai to Atiku: We will obey Buhari’s order on ballot box snatchers

Chidi Samuel|

The chief of army staff, Tukur Buratai, on Wednesday dismissed the suggestion by Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),  that the military is not bound to pay President Buhari’s order on ballot box snatchers.

President Buhari had on Monday warned that trouble makers at polls will pay with their lives, a development that was condemned by Atiku on Tuesday, suggesting that the military should not obey the President’s directive.

But reacting to Atiku’s comment while briefing army commanders and principal staff officers on Wednesday, Buratai said the army is bound to obey orders from constituted authorities.

According to him, those who try to interfere with the electoral process must be dealt with appropriately.

Buratai said, “One of our core values is loyalty to constituted authority. It is unfortunate to hear persons who are aspiring to rule this country are inciting the army to disobedience.”

“We have consistently stated our position in the political dispensation to remain neutral and apolitical. However, direct and public incitement of the Nigerian Military against democracy and constituted civil authority will not be tolerated.

“I request such persons to withdraw this inciting statement. Let me reemphasize loud and clear, that the Nigerian Army is a professional army. The foundation of military professionalism is discipline and without discipline, an army cannot stand. Loyalty must be hundred per cent. I shall leave you in no doubt as to our resolve to bequeath a professionally responsive army to Nigeria and Nigerians.

“Should any officer or soldier have doubts as to his loyalty to the Nigerian state as presently constituted, such a person has up to 22 February 2019 to resign. There is no room for indiscipline or disobedience to lawful orders in the army today.”

Buratai who said that the commanders to work with all stakeholders for a hitch-free election, also announced the activation of operation Safe Conduct which is aimed at ensuring a peaceful conduct of the elections holding February 23, and March 9.