The Nigerian Defense Headquarters has debunked reports credited to the Chief of Defense Staff, General Lucky Irabor CFR, claiming that the Nigerian Military was under pressure to manipulate the 2023 elections.
The Director, Defence Information, Major General Jimmy Akpor, in a statement, on Friday, stated that the impression was not only erroneous, but also false and a deliberate or inadvertent attempt to twist what was said, in order to convey a sinister meaning.
He stated categorically that the referenced briefing was broadcast live on Nigeria Television Authority – NTA Channel 419 on DSTV and Channel 46 on GOTV.
In his words, “The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to several headlines and news reports purporting to suggest that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor CFR, had alluded to the military (and other security agencies) being under pressure to compromise the 2023 elections. This impression was reportedly made during the 61st Session of the State House Briefing, which featured the Chief of Defence State on 8 December 2022”.
The defence spokesman claimed that the Chief of Staff was only responding to a question thrown at him by a journalist
“But my worry is that, politicians have a way of piling pressure on security forces and we are witnesses to some of the things that occurred in the past exercises. Now, given this kind of scenario, where politicians or political actors try to pile pressure on your men, how far have you prepared to go to ensure that neutrality as directed by the President is protected?”
“In response, the Chief of Defence Staff said, “I am glad you reiterated what the Commander-in-Chief said or his directive to the Armed Forces. I am afraid you said you had to worry. Rather than worry, I would think that trust in our cause (is paramount). Why? Of course, in our training, there will always be pressure from all quarters, wanting to induce security forces, not just the military, security forces. That is what criminal enterprise is all about, that is what someone that is wrong is all about. But, what makes the difference is, the professional approach in dealing with the issues, and that is what the military intends doing.
“That is the reason why we have ramped up our training in that regard. Sensitization, a lot of engagements across formations and units are going on daily. And then, moreso, to articulate Code of Conduct for all our personnel, which has been done and distributed. So, what, why we should act before, during and after the elections? These have been codified in SOPs (Standing Operating Procedures) issued to them. And so, it remains the duty of commanders to ensure the directive as indicated, that the content of SOPs is adhered to by every personnel of the Armed Forces. So, my good friend, please seize from worrying, rather trust and also engage others to trust that we will keep faith with these desires that we have.”
The defence spokesman lamented that journalists in their narrow mindedness chose to transcribing the entire response by the Chief of Defence Staff so that everyone can see the quantum misrepresentation of the Chief of Defence Staff’s comments during the briefing.
While collaborating the resolve of the military, Akpor stated emphatically that the Armed Forces of Nigeria however, stands ready to aid civil authority in ensuring free and fair 2023 elections, adding, that already ongoing military operations all over the country (in collaboration with the Nigeria Police and other security agencies), are creating enabling environment for electioneering campaigns to hold. He further disclosed that these military operations would be escalated or re-calibrated, when called upon to do so, to support the successful conduct of the 2023 elections.
The defence spokesman, however, frowned against the misrepresentation of the military leadership at any forum at this critical time of our nationhood.
