The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has raised alarm over strange relationships between some solders and some unnamed politicians, warning the former group to desist or get punished.
Nigeria’s history is replete with stories of politicians taking advantage of fragile unity and political crises to influence soldiers into a violent and unconstitutional change of government.
Buratai however warned that the Army under his watch would not tolerate any act of indiscipline.
The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Sani Usman, in a statement on Tuesday, said, “The COAS has received information about some individuals approaching soldiers and, on the basis of that, he has warned such persons to desist from this act.”
The statement continued: “He also reminded them that the Nigerian Army is a thorough professional, disciplined, loyal and apolitical institution that has clear constitutional roles and responsibilities.
“Therefore, he seriously warned and advised all officers and men interested in politics, to resign their commission or apply for voluntary discharge forthwith.
“Any officer or soldier of the Nigerian Army found to be hobnobbing with such elements or engaging in unprofessional conducts such as politicking, would have himself or herself to blame.”
