BEVERLY HILLS, September 18, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Army says it was not under any form of political pressure on the position it took regarding the activities of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, stressing that its actions against the separatist group were necessitated by the provisions of the constitution.
The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, who made this assertion on Monday, said the military has the duty and constitutional responsibility to protect lives and properties in the face of internal and external threats to the territorial integrity of the country.
He spoke to newsmen shortly after addressing Principal Staff Officers, Corps, Formations and Operations Commanders, Commandants of Nigerian Army and Corps Schools at the commencement of the 2nd and 3rd Quarter Chief of Army Staff Conference in Abuja.
According to Buratai, “You see, you said political pressure. You should understand the context by which the Nigerian Army is operating. Nigerian Army is part of the political consideration in the democratic system.
“It is part of the democratic process, is a product of the democratic governance, you know the military. We are not receiving any pressure; we are given what the constitution has provided for us. Constitutionally what our responsibilities are for us, so we are not under any pressure whatsoever.
“Whatever anyone is saying, we will refer him back to the constitution. There are several provisions that give us those responsibilities and also to carry out such task as duly assigned by the government or by the constituted authority.
“Be rest assured that we don’t have any other role that is outside the constitution.
“As regards the proscription, this is what I want to give; the federal government will take a final decision on that. There are guidelines as provided in the Act on the Terrorism Act and am sure the relevant government agencies am talking about will take appropriate steps whether to arrest or whether to do any other actions and we will receive the appropriate directives from the authorities.”
