The Nigerian Army has said that it deployed troops to various locations and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Port Harcourt branch in Rivers state to ensure security and safeguard INEC sensitive materials deposited in the bank.
It said the measure was part of its constitutional responsibility of aiding civil authorities in safeguarding key and vulnerable points.
Spokesperson of 6 Division Nigerian Army, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, said in a statement against the backdrop of false insinuations by some people.
Iiyasu made reference to an online report where the Director of Information and Communication of PDP Rivers State, Barr. Emma Okah, accused the 6 Division Nigerian Army of planning to rig the election in favour of another political party, and that the Commander 6 Military Intelligence Brigade was prevented from entering the CBN premise by PDP members.
He described such statement as “bizarre , scandalous, frivolous and criminal”.
Iliyasu said: “For the avoidance of doubt, as part of the NA’s constitutional responsibility of aiding civil authority and our mandate to safeguarding Key Points and Vulnerable Points of our dear nationtroops of 6 Division NA were accordingly deployed and further reinforced at various locations including the CBN Port Harcourt where INEC deposit sensitive materials before, during and after elections.
“Brig. Gen Nasiru Najaja as the coordinator of all deployments was at the CBN Port Harcourt and other locations to assess the level of troops deployment and alertness. This deployment must have thwarted Mr Okah’s sinister plans and that of his pay masters thereby making such frustrating statements.
“Furthermore, Emma Okah and his cohorts are advised to henceforth restrict their politicking to themselves and avoid dragging the respected institution of the Nigerian Army and its personnel for cheap popularity.
“The 6 Division and indeed the NA have over time reiterated and genuinely demonstrated our neutrality and apolitical posture and will continue to play our constitutional mandates responsively and professionally despite the distractions.
“Additionally, the Division wishes to categorically demand an unreserved apology and withdrawal of the slanderous statement by Emma Okah against the NA and the person of Brig Gen Nasiru Najaja within 72 Hours of this publication failure of which will lead to institution of a legal proceedings.”
He assured the public of the Division’s “unflinching resolve to protection of lives and properties in conjunction with other security agencies for a conducive atmosphere in the entire Niger Delta region.”
He also thanked the people for their continued support and cooperation to the Division in the area of information, which he said had assisted the operations of the Division.
