Buratai Alert: Politicians Woo Soldiers

The Chief Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has warned officers and soldiers of the army to steer clear of politics or have themselves to blame.

Buratai urged military personnel, who were interested in politics, “to resign their commission or apply for voluntary discharge forthwith”.

Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, the army spokesman mentioned in a statement on Tuesday that the warning followed information received by Buratai that “some individuals have been approaching some officers and soldiers for undisclosed political reasons”.

He stated: “On the basis of that, the army chief, has warned such persons to desist from these acts.

“He also reminded them that Nigerian army is a thorough professional, disciplined, loyal and apolitical institution that has clear constitutional roles and responsibilities.

“Any officer or soldier of Nigerian Army found to be hobnobbing with such elements or engaged in unprofessional conducts such as politicking would have himself or herself to blame.”

Usman further quoted Buratai as restating that the Nigerian army would remain apolitical and respect the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.