Elections: Army displayed professionalism – IHRC

The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has said that the Nigerian Army exhibited “acceptable restraint and discipline in the face of provocation by politicians” during the 2019 General elections.

Representative of IHRC Africa Office, Semaka Setuk, stated this Wednesday at Army headquarters, Abuja, while presenting Human Right Commendation Award to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai.

He said adherence to the code of conduct by troops under the watch of the Army Chief played a significant role in ensuring peaceful and violence-free elections in many parts of the country.

Setuk said the professional conduct of the Nigerian Army troops was “imperative and symbolic” for other African countries to emulate.

He said: “We note and view this achievement as a milestone and major revolution for democracy on the African continent. This is especially so, given that other civilisation have relegated Africa as a continent of nations without regard to Human Rights, especially during critical processes.

“Indeed, the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Gen. Buratai and with the assistance of his lieutenants have demonstrated the willingness, the desire, the determination, the resolve and capacity to take Africa’s military by the hand and lead by example .

“On behalf of the International Human Rights Committee on civil military relations and foreign observers committee, I congratulate the COAS and the Nigerian army for such an achievement for Nigeria and Africa but more importantly, for the United Nations and mankind”.

In his remarks, the COAS who was represented by Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP), Maj. General Ali Nani, thanked the commission for objectively observing the activities of the Nigerian Army during the conduct of the just concluded polls.

He said attempt were being made by mischief makers during the elections to discredit the Nigerian Army, but to no avail. 

He said the army would continue to discharge its roles as enshrined in the 1999 constitution.

The International Human Rights plaque and certificate for professionalism was later received by the COPP on behalf of his principal.

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