The Hood – Hearing from your neighborhood

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in last Saturday’s presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has been urged to tow the path of ex-president Goodluck Jonathan and congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari. 

This appeal was made by Two Million Women Rally for Democracy on Friday. 

Mr Buhari of the All Progressive Congress (APC) was returned as president for a second-term by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). 

While the incumbent has continued to receive massive commendation over a free, fair and credible polls as well congratulatory messages from both local and international communities, the opposition has resolved to contest the people’s mandate. 

In a statement by Convener, Mary Onuche, the Two Million Women Rally for Democracy has advised Mr Atiku to quit his on-going disruptive stance on the election. 

According to the group, although the PDP candidate is within his constitutional right to seek redress, such disruptive and frightful atmosphere could lead to an a anarchy. 

“ Fortunately for Nigeria, our democracy, though still young, has continued to evolve in ways that reassure us that things can only get better. One such leap is the development in 2015 when the then President Goodluck Jonathan called to congratulate the then winner of the presidential election, incumbent President Buhari, even before the votes’ tally was completed. That singular act of patriotism is today hailed as the benchmark of the level of statesmanship befitting of candidates in our elections. May God bless President Goodluck Jonathan, the hero of our modern democracy. 

“ This has become a modern democratic culture in Nigeria for which former President Jonathan will continue to receive accolades. Had he acted contrary at that time, perhaps democratic growth in Nigeria might have been stunted or even truncated. 

“ But thankfully he set the benchmark, a standard that we today expect from anyone that takes part in the presidential election.

“ We therefore call on Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to emulate the statesmanship of President Jonathan and quit his on-going disruptive stance on the election. There has been series of calls on him to call and congratulate President Buhari as the winner of the election, which would infer that he would by consequence give up any legal challenge of the election result. We are tempted to align with the first half of this demand that Atiku calls President Buhari to offer his congratulations but we will not suggest that he forfeits his right to seeking judicial redress. He is very free to approach the courts to ventilate his grievances.

“ What is unacceptable, however, is the adoption of positions and making of utterances that are being interpreted by his supporters and party members as a call to violence. We have become aware that his supporters are strategizing for violent protests that they are targeting to cause chaos nationwide and bring down the government. Some of Atiku’s lieutenants and political associates are subtly encouraging such protests through comments they have been making in the mainstream media and their social media accounts.

“ The hostile environment being created by Atiku’s stance has been made even tenser by his reported demands on President Buhari, made through the National Peace Committee. Such behaviour suggests an opposition that has transmuted into a dictatorship, one that is hell-bent on blackmailing the country to impose itself on the people when it has been clearly rejected at the polls. This is not acceptable at a time when Nigerians expect that anyone that aspired to govern the country would at the very least imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship championed by former President Jonathan.

“ Our democracy comes first before the personal fixations of any politician. We insist that the peace accord signed by political parties and their candidates, including Atiku must be respected . 

“ Nigeria truly deserves peace and stability at this point in time, which is why we are holding this “Two Million Woman Rally for Democracy in Nigeria” to demand for national stability and peace in Nigeria. 

“ While we remain apolitical, we are encouraged by the assessment of international election observation missions, which in-spite of their earlier tilt in favour of Atiku prior to the election, have come out to declare that the conduct and the outcome of the poll was satisfactory to them. We suggest that Atiku takes time to slow down and listen to his foreign allies who have now concluded that even the Parallel Vote Tabulation they used as control showed that the PDP candidate was fairly defeated. “

A coalition of civil society organisations, under the aegis of New Initiative for Credible Leadership (NICreL) has lashed out at the Youth Initiative For Advocacy, Growth And Advancement (YIAGA) for allegedly attempting to undermine the military’s efforts towards a credible, free and fair conduct  at the general elections. 

In what is gradually becoming a routine, YIAGA, funded by certain foreign bodies, discredited the Nigerian military  and the entire electoral process in it’s report released on Sunday despite massive commendation coming from all and sundry. 

However, NICreL, at a press conference by Executive Director, Rev. Patrick Onyeke, opined that this is another obvious coy to cast aspersion on the conduct of the polls while manufacturing evidence to pressure the security agencies. 

Read full text below:

The (Youth Initiative For Advocacy, Growth And Advancement) YIAGA Africa Watching The Vote (WTV) Group on Sunday presented what it termed its own interim report on the General Elections (for President and National Assembly) in a development that did not come as a surprise because it was well known before now that the organization exists solely to deliver on a hatchet job.

YIAGA’s ultimate delivery is to cast aspersion on the conduct of the elections, undermine its credibility and nudge Nigeria closer to chaos. A secondary goal of this questionable group is to manufacture evidence against the security and military establishments in Nigeria so that they will be under pressure and unable to effectively contain the violence that the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is orchestrating to force its declaration as the winner of the polls.

This explains why the group manufactured lies about observers being arrested and detained in Kaduna and Yobe states without specifying the details of the infractions that necessitated the security measures. For avoidance of doubts, security agencies were compelled to screen out fake observers that were being used for vote buying, voter intimidation and as couriers between dubious politicians and a few compromised electoral officials. 

It also made the allegation that voters were prevented from accessing polling units to exercise their right when in reality security operatives merely ensured that persons without PVC were not allowed access to voting areas as part of proactive measures to forestall ballot snatching and undue influencing of voters by hired thugs that were out to force people to vote alongside the wishes of certain candidates.

Had YIAGA AFRICA bothered to make legitimate enquiries as opposed to putting on an air of belligerence against state officials while belittling other election observers it would have been wiser to the reality of the foregoing. It however persisted in its predetermined mission and denied itself of the benefit of enlightenment. Its ignorance of these development was responsible for its error in progressing in error by publicising lies as facts.

But we doubt that YIAGA AFRICA would have acted differently even when given the benefit of accurate information. Our assertion is based on what we have since discovered that this group is one of those on the payroll of the opposition with the sole aim of perverting Nigeria’s electoral system against the will of the people. Evidence of its being in bed with the PDP abound in the many controversial stance it took against the conduct of the election right from inception.

We also found that this group, YIAGA, is an organization that imported illegal aliens into the country for the purpose of carrying out its hatchet job. The apprehension of some of the illegal aliens it brought into the country is what it described as arrest and detention of election observers. We wonder how persons that did not meet the relevant accreditation criteria and also circumvented immigration requirements will expect to get away with such infractions without being held to account. Nigeria’s immigration requirements remain in place even during elections and they are actually heightened for such period.

There is no gainsaying the fact that an organization that can deploy illegal aliens among the observers it claimed to have sent on the field cannot come up with any report that will be credible. Its stick in trade is illegality so the report it claimed to have presented is tainted and overshadowed by the questionable way it got some of its key members into the country.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is urged to note the crimes YIAGA committed against the Nigerian state and to promptly commence the process of reviewing the accreditation it has given to members of the group and its affiliates with a view to revoking same. Even if INEC neglects to revoke the accreditation NICreL and other concerned Nigerians are not helpless in bringing the group to account for its role in trying to destabilize Nigeria. This is a condemnable act of irresponsibility.

The New Initiative for Credible Leadership (NICreL) will not stop at decrying the irresponsible activities of YIAGA AFRICA as the group has proven impervious to censure. It did nothing to correct its questionable way when they were earlier flagged as being at variance with the imperative for peace and stability in Nigeria, which confirmed it as a nuisance. NICreL hereby demands that YIAGA Africa Watching The Vote (WTV) Group and the parent body immediately pack out of Nigeria.  The demand for YIAGA in all its forms move out of Nigeria must be complied with under the next 12 hours failing which NICreL will lead a coalition of patriotic Nigerian group to physically enforce its expulsion from Nigeria.

We advise groups that had allied themselves with YIAGA to immediately terminate such relationships lest they would be treated as being a contiguous part of that group. This implies that their operations too would be targeted and shut down in the interest of our country and the security if its citizens.

The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations on Human Rights and Conflict Resolution has spoken on the role of security agencies in the Saturday’s presidential and national assembly elections across the 36 states of the federation.

The human rights group specifically lauded the nation’s security agencies for being professional in discharge of their duties before, during and after the nationwide polls.

Maxwell Gowon, the Executive Director of the coalition on the security situation during the conduct of the polls commended the Nigerian Military for its efforts at ensuring peace, stability and security even though the forecast for security and life during the election had been grim. 

While giving detailed accounts of what happened in some states during the polls, Gowon called on the security agencies to be at alert, considering that the prospect of violence in the aftermath of the announcement of results remains high.

The group also warned parties to caution their supporters against engaging in violence.

His statement below:

“The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations on Human Rights and Conflict Resolution deployed 4,000 observers for the Presidential and National Assembly (Senatorial/House of Representatives) Elections that held on Saturday February 23, 2019 across the country. 

The coalition made the call to increase its focus on security situation, compliance with observance of human right and the general atmosphere of the elections. 

“This decision was influenced by the fact that several other observer organizations were on ground to focus on issues like transparency, timeliness, openness and other fine points of the elections. The decision is consistent with the primary objectives and thematic focus of the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations on Human Rights and Conflict

“It is pertinent to point out at this stage that the observation by the coalition had incrementally being in place in the period preceding the elections, with the implication that some of the observations made on the Election Day were not done in isolation but in relation to ongoing incident tracking. 

“The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations on Human Rights and Conflict Resolution observed, from the data collected by its observers, that there were incidences on the Election Day:

“In Abonnema, Akoku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers state, gunmen suspected to be thugs hired by politicians attacked troops in duty leading to six of them being killed when the personnel of the Nigerian Army repelled the attack. A lieutenant of the Nigerian Army died in the encounter while two civilians died from gunshots of the assailants.

The Army arrested 15 persons acting as political thugs in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of neighbouring Bayelsa state.

“In Delta state, the police confirmed two (2) persons dead in Sapele axis of the state.

Edo state recorded incidents of ballot box snatching but the Army stepped in to get the situation under control with perpetrators that were apprehended handed over to the police.

“In Cross River and Akwa-Ibom, the earlier warning issued by the Army with other security agencies was heeded as the situation was conducive.

Anambra state is one of the states where the Independent National Electoral Commission was compelled to reschedule elections owing to violence while Ebonyi state recorded violence that claimed three lives on the eve of the elections. Abia, Enugu and Imo states were largely peaceful.

“Lagos state is another state where some elections were rescheduled owing to violence. There were cases of ballot snatching and destruction of ballot at the point of counting in some instances. Overall, security agencies and the support of the Nigerian Army made it possible for the situation to remain under control without escalation.

“The pockets of violence in Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Ogun and Oyo (one person was killed in Oyo state) states were easily managed. The presence of the military ensured that things did not overly get out of hand.

“In spite of the propagate threat to mar the elections, the explosions from Boko Haram/ISWAP in Borno state did not stop citizens from exercising their rights at the polls. The Nigerian Army successfully curtailed the ability of the terrorists to cause disruptions. Similar explosions in Yobe state did not prevent voting from taking place.

Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba and Adamawa recorded limited incidents that were not significant enough to affect the elections.

“In spite of the concerns previously held and incidents of pre-election violence recorded in Kano, the presence of the Nigerian Army ensured that voters were able to carry out their civic duties without fear. Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Jigawa were largely free of major incidents to warrant concerns as the Nigerian Army’s presence in these places took away the incentive for violence while one (1) person was killed in Zamfara.

The Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) had the elections taking places peacefully while pockets of violence in Kogi state resulted in at least two deaths. Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa and Niger states recorded lesser violence than earlier feared.

“The feedback that observers got from voters is that there are factors that mitigated the risk of violence thereby leading to fewer cases of violence, voter intimidation and ballot box snatching than anticipated. Among the factors identified are:

“Rivers state, Lagos state and other places were violence was intense happen to be home to the strong critics of the directive for the military to deal with ballot box snatchers. These are also the places where the highest number of persons attempted to delegitimize the directive to the Army.

“The recorded instances of violence, especially where they resulted in the loss of life, would have been prevented if people did not attempt to criminalize the assigned role of the Nigerian Army in their bid to score political points.

“The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations on Human Rights and Conflict Resolution has adopted interim positions pending the conclusion of state elections scheduled for March 9, 2019:

“The coalition commended the Nigerian Military for its efforts at ensuring peace, stability and security even though the forecast for security and life during the election had been grim. It is noteworthy that the military, notably the Nigerian Army, discharged this onerous responsibility with full recourse to the rules of engagement.

“The coalition condemns in the strongest terms the attack on troops on election duties. The act amounts to unnecessary provocation and aggravation that continues to make it necessary for the country to deploy troops for elections even though this is ordinarily a duty for the civil police.

“Urge all security to remain on high alert considering that the prospect of violence in the aftermath of the announcement of results remains high.”

Election observers under the platform of Independent Foreign Observers have commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Nigerians for transparency and credibility of the yesterday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections. 

They gave this commendation at a press conference this afternoon in Abuja. The team leader, Dr. Stuart Young, an academic and diplomat spoke on behalf of other members of the team at its presentation of preliminary report. 

The observers in the text  entitled, “A Preliminary report on the 2019 Presidential and National Assembly Elections in Nigeria” described the conduct of the elections as as fair and an indication of non-interference by the government or any of its agents. 

The text reads, “In the build-up to the 2019 General Elections in Nigeria, the Independent Foreign Observers mission, a team from the United States of America, United Kingdom, and the European Union (EU), visited Nigeria with a view to observing the elections, in line with best global practices. Consequently, more than 200 local observers were recruited and trained to monitor the polls, with a view to ascertaining if the elections were free, fair and credible. 

Observations: 

From the reports filed in by our observers deployed all around the country, it was recorded that the turnout of voters across the country was impressive, as supporters of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) were active in casting their ballots for their respective candidates. 

The conduct of the electoral officials appeared to be consistently fair and an indication of non-interference by the government or any of its agents.  There were, however, some polling units that experienced late arrival of voting materials. 

In both Abuja and Nassarawa state, observers witnessed polls opening late, and voting beginning after the scheduled start.  In Abuja we saw voting begin as late as 9:30am, and in a Mararaba polling station in Nassarawa voting did not begin until 1pm.

Observers in Asokoro 1, Abuja witnessed a situation where there was confusion over the exact location of a polling station, because of the previous demolition of a Total service station that had been used to identify the location for voters.  INEC officials set up at the nearest Total service station where they performed their duties for citizens who had lined up there.  Upon discovering there was a collection of voters in a different location, where the former service station was located, INEC officials moved their voting materials to this location.  Some citizens were worried that the votes that officials brought to the new station indicated ballot box stuffing, but were eventually mollified when officials explained the confusion over the location.

There were also reports of unruly behaviour at some polling units that required the immediate deployment of security to restore order. An example was in Kaduna state where voters attempted to provoke security personnel of which a senior military officer quickly resolved the situation. There were additional reports of scattered violence in Lagos, Obu state, River state and Bayelsa state.

Incidences of votes buying were dealt with by surveillance mounted by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other security agencies that consisted of the Army, police, and the civil defence. 

The various security agencies were professional in handling incidences of ballot box snatching and other forms of electoral malpractices. Worthy of mention is the professionalism displayed by the Nigerian Army. 

The security agencies were on top of the situation in areas that were hitherto known for election-related violence and the other regions as a whole. 

Observers watched votes being counted at polling stations, noting that the announcement of the vote from each ballot was announced clearly, and citizens were monitoring the process along with officials and party monitors.

From reports collated from our field officers, the 2019 general elections to this point seem free, fair and credible as neither party can fault the transparent process that occasioned accreditation and voting. 

In Area 10, Garki, Abuja, observers noted a disabled (blind) person, who was given assistance in entering the polling station, allowed to progress to the front of the line unimpeded by the voters present, and was able to cast his ballot with relative ease.  Observers were impressed that it was common citizens, not officials, who took the initiative to help their fellow citizen exercise his democratic right.

Suggestions: 

The 2019 general elections in Nigeria, though appearing to be free, fair and credible at this juncture, using our international set parameters and the feedback gathered from the over 200 observers deployed to the various states, there are a few areas that need to be looked into in the conduct of elections in the future. 

The functionality of card readers must be fully tested and properly calibrated before deployment to the polling units, before the elections to reduce the use of manual voting which takes time and might be exploited. 

Improvement is needed in the areas of logistics and training of electoral officials.  For example a digital voting system, perhaps using mobile phones, tablets and/or voting cards embedded with codes that can be swiped to register a voter’s choice, should be explored.

A stronger effort to start voting on time would make the process more comfortable and healthy for voters, as well as improving voter turnout.

Continuing voter education beyond the election period should focus on efforts to identify and weed out Fake news in order not to mislead the public.  

Nigerians should be able to vote in their current place of residence, provided they have lived there for a designated minimum amount of time. A mechanism should be put in place to cancel their registration in their home state, when they register in their new home area.

Conclusion: 

The elections appear to have been free, fair and credible to this point. It is therefore advised that winners and losers should see beyond themselves and their political aspirations, to promote the unity of Nigeria as a country. 

Worthy of commendation are the staffers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for maintaining orderliness and contributing to a sense of calm and security which enabled domestic and foreign observers to efficiently carry out their duties, and voters to exercise their democratic right and responsibility.

We would like to congratulate the Nigerian government and Nigerian citizens for their enthusiasm, perseverance and fair play in pursuing their democratic ideals through this election.

A coalition of Civil Society Groups under the umbrella of Coalition of Civil Society Groups on Human Rights and Conflict Management has called on the Nigerian military to sustain high complaisance on rules of engagement before, after and during the poll. 

The group said in a bid to assess the preparedness of the Nigeria military  in ensuring that the 2019 general elections are hitch free security wise has commissioned a systematic monitoring of the activities of the Armed Forces by deploying men and resources across the federation. 

The Coalition said it had observed the threats of violence in the polity by paid political merchants desperate to turn the tide in favour of their paymasters. 

Maxwell Gowon, Esq, Executive Director of the coalition, said it also observed that there are possibilities of attacks from terrorist organizations especially in the North East region of Nigeria. 

According to him, “There is also the possibility of outright provocation of military personnel in the South East region by adherents of the Indigenous People of Biafra.

“The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) has perfected plans to attack military personnel on election duty with a view to disrupting the polls. 

“It was however observed that the Armed Forces had deployed means quelling whatever uprising that may occur in line with the presidential mandate of ensuring that the human rights of every citizen of the country are safeguarded.

“After a review of the military security architecture put in place, it was observed that the military has continued to maintain a very high standard of compliance with its human rights obligations to the citizenry through the continuous engagement by the Department of Civil-Military Relations. 

“There were also regular operational meetings by the Chief of Army Staff and Top Commanders of the Nigeria Army on how to curtail attempts by unscrupulous elements to infiltrate the troops. 

“There is a functional situation room that is linked to all military operational bases around the country which is highly commendable and indicative of the preparedness of the Nigeria Army towards ensuring the safety of lives and properties before, during and after the elections. This is quite commendable. 

“Based on the findings of the Coalition of Civil Society Groups on Human Rights and Conflict Management, the followings are recommended: 

“The Nigeria Army must continue to ensure that it’s troops deployed to provide security cover for the citizens as well as to uphold the highest level of standard. 

“The military authorities must put in place measures the would curb overzealousness amongst the troops and in the event of such, appropriate sanctions must be implemented to serve as a deterrent to others. 

“The military authorities must ensure that the welfare of the troops is adequately taken care of to minimize any form of enticement in the line of duty, especially those mounting checkpoints in strategic places. 

“The Chief of Army Staff must continue to ensure strict compliance with rules of engagement by the troops. 

“In conclusion, the Coalition of Civil Society Groups on Human Rights and Conflict Management is impressed with the level of preparedness and therefore of the opinion that the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are adequately prepared to deal with any form of violence that might erupt during and after the elections. 

“The measures put in place are top-notch and in tandem with international best practices. Also, the level of coordination and cooperation between the various wings of the Armed forces (Army, Navy, and Airforce) is highly commendable.

“The Coalition of Civil Society Groups on Human Rights and Conflict Management would deploy its members to monitor the polls to measure the level of compliance by the military on the rules of engagement.”

By Richard Murphy

I trust Lt. Gen, TY Buratai, the COAS and leader of Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations. He  is a man worth the trust. He first earned my trust when he punished scores of solders who played undemocratic roles in the 2014 governorship elections in Ekiti state. They were punished for professional misconduct and acts inimical to the striving of democracy in Nigeria. It is his mindset and expectations from the Army Personnel  he is leading.  

I know the strength he has put into reforming and repositioning the Army into a decent and respected institution. When the Commander-In-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces,President Muhammdau Buhari  issued an order, asking security agents or the Army particularly  to deal ruthlessly with ballot box snatchers or election riggers some professional election riggers panicked. They wailed loudly or are making distractive noise.

 But  it is needless for anybody to panic. The immutable truth  can be gleaned from the antecedents of Gen. Buratai’s leadership of the  Nigerian Army, when it is brought into perspective. Under his watch the Army has remained apolitical, neutral  and completely subordinated to civil authority. They obey every  norm of civil community.

And preparatory to the  first round of the coming ballot, I was impressed to know that Gen. Buratai has not deviated from his famed culture and reflection of a re-professionalized Army.  He met with the Army’s principal staff officers, general officers commanding and brigade commanders and  briefed or reminded them on what is expected of soldiers during the national elections.  

And he issued unambiguous directives to soldiers who may want to become part of the herds of politicians in Nigeria  to resign their membership of the Nigerian Army to become active partisans. I consider this as good tidings and what should console Nigerians interested in free, fair and credible elections.

We must understand that the task of repositioning Nigeria to the country of our dream  is our collective responsibility. Everyone of us has a role to play. And the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Gen. Buratai is also doing its beat by safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and  enforcing discipline  or inculcating the mentality of respect  to constituted civil authority in Army personnel. 

I have  no scintilla of doubt that the Army  are discharging their obligation  to the country loyally and patriotically. And it is anchored on two operational cardinal objectives.  Every soldier now knows our democracy must survive and in the special assignments that are drafted to assist civil security, the human rights of the citizens must be held sacrosanct. 

The  Nigerian Army has not flinched even for a second in  providing the needed support  the Police, DSS, Civil Defence to effectively function in their  duties of securing Nigeria.  So, I think no one should have anything to fear if there is no ulterior motive.  I am sure those gripped with a phobia of the Army are politicians who are sponsoring electoral thuggery. And for their agents; that is, the thugs, ballot snatchers and indeed, those who attempt to compromise security and the electoral process, it’s certainly a bad market for them. The Gen. Buratai I know will not give them breathing space.

We have living witnesses to what the Army did in the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.  The Army never spilled  a blood.  It only ensured  scaremongers and electoral thieves are chained so that citizens freely exercised their franchise peacefully.  In the elections too, I foresee nothing different. So, Nigerians deliberately de-marketing the Army or those who have indulged in smear campaigns against soldiers are just inherently evil. They are the terrorists and should not deserve our sympathy.    

A terrorist is not  only someone who finds himself in a place  like Sambisa forest or the plains of the Northeast with bombs or other explosives alone. But our country has known and experienced electoral terrorists who torment the the people on election days; they are those who snatch ballot boxes at gun point. They have been the source of electoral apathy in Nigeria. These are characters who freely violate the constitution of Nigeria or debase or even disregard  laws which guide public sanity. We are aware of elements  like those in  IPOB or the  Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN ). Their adherents are still armed and hired on election days to do odious jobs.

 I don’t think any responsible government would watch and clap its hands  for criminals who brag in public that they are not subject  to the laws of the land; and that they will not obey Nigerian constitution. We must not allow this to continue. And Gen. Buratai has come to our rescue.

They have said many times  that they do not believe in the authority of the Commander -in –Chief of Nigerian Armed Forces. They are the secret and overt warlords threatening our security, peace and unity. We see their shadows in   Boko Haram insurgents. And sadly, we are beginning to also see their images in the  desperate agents  of PDP. They are hell-bent on frustrating  or messing-up everything that President Buhari has achieved in building our democracy.

I cannot understand the desperation of PDP to rig the elections at all cost. This manifestation of  PDP is worse than what Boko Haram and other insurrectionists  have done to the Nigerian nation.  The satanic quest of  PDP  led by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and some Governors to return an Alhaji  Atiku Abubakar  to power is quite funny. So,  it is this desperation that has compelled them  to drag the military into their political permutations despite its apolitical nature.  But they will not succeed. Nigerians are alert.

I want to say, the  fear of ballot box snatching  is real and every Nigerian looks up to the Army to be able to provide the needed security support for us  to exercise  our franchise.  I therefore plead with the PDP and its apostates to allow the Nigerian Army focus on its role and responsibilities,  as those who have nothing to hide should have nothing to fear. 

 I know  Gen. Buratai  as a professional soldier, a loyal officer,  a patriotic country man and a refined promoter of human rights of all citizens.  Millions of law abiding citizens can attest to his character. And he has done so much to redefine the pedigree and character of an average soldier in Nigeria today.

It is on record that our troops have not unlawfully engaged any citizen in any arms’ struggle . We know this much.  Even in Rivers  state sometime,  in 2016 when militants opened fire on troops during a rerun election , the Army didn’t retaliate,  but rather fished out the criminals and handed  them over  to the police for lawful prosecution. That is the quintessential Gen. Buratai any day you find him. In the next general elections commencing this Saturday, the Army will act in  same manner.

Murphy is a security expert  based in Calabar.

By Philip Agbese 

I recall that a section of the polity has decided to drag the Nigerian Army into the murky water of politics for their selfish reasons. This arose from the charge given by the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces President Muhammadu Buhari for the Nigeria Army to deal ruthlessly with those who intend to snatch ballot boxes during the elections or engage in acts of thuggery aimed at disrupting the polls.  

I must confess that I am amazed as to how the PDP bigwigs and sympathizers have blown the issue out of proportion. They forgot that for the credibility of the polls to be achieved, there ought to be a level of security in place to guard against vices such as ballot box snatching, vote buying and other evil acts associated with elections in this country. 

While I am not against these folks airing their opinion on issues they have reservations, I am however taken aback with the way and manner they have so politicized the issue with the aim of misleading the unsuspecting members of the public to believe that there is indeed something sinister in the directive. 

Yes, the Chief of Army Staff addressed his principal officers that included the General Officers Commanding the various divisions in the country to remind them of the task at hand which is necessary to safeguard the territorial integrity of the country and the need for the troops to respect the constituted authorities. I see nothing wrong with this. And I wonder how the PDP interpreted or is interpreting issues, especially in the build-up to the elections. 

It even gets confusing when it is common knowledge that over time, the Nigerian  Army in discharging its constitutionally recognized and authorized mandate, focuses on two cardinal objectives, and they are subservience to constituted authority and the respect for human rights. 

This is also sufficing to add that the Nigeria Army has overtime provided that needed support to the Nigerian police in the effective discharge of its duties in times of elections and other emergencies. And if this is and has been the case, why cry wolf where none exist? I think that the members of the general public should resist the antics of some unscrupulous elements hell-bent on causing disaffection in the polity to win the sympathy of the electorates with some days left to the general elections. 

There are abound instances where the Nigerian  Army had ensured that voters carry out their civic responsibility without fear or favour. The Ekiti and Osun states elections are glaring examples of the invaluable role the Nigerian  Army plays in entrenching and sustaining democracy in Nigeria.  Ordinarily, Nigerians should not have any cause for worry or concern if they do not have ulterior motives during the elections. 

But those that want to incite and cause mayhem should have every reason to be afraid because I think that any action that negates peace and tranquility would and should be resisted by the Nigerian  Army. And this should give every true lover of democracy a cause for concern. 

The desperation to rig the election at all cost is what has driven the PDP to begin to act towards every other citizen even worse than what Boko Haram have done in North East Nigeria. 

This desperation led by Obasanjo and some Governors to return an Atiku Abubakar who has become desperate as to drag the Nigerian  Army despite its apolitical nature into politics is what many today have become afraid of. 

The fear of ballot box snatcher is real, and every Nigerian looks up to the Army to be able to provide the needed security for them to be able to exercise their franchise. One would, therefore, plead with the PDP to allow the Nigerian Army to focus on its role and responsibilities as those who have nothing to hide should have nothing to fear. 

The Nigeria Army under Lt GenTukur Buratai is a responsive organization and one that has tremendously shown respect for the constitution of the Federal  Republic  of Nigeria. Worthy of mention also is the fact that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai is a professional officer and one whose loyalty can never be doubted. 

He is also a refined promoter of human rights as evident in his numerous interactions with the civilian populace through the Directorate of Civil-Military relations.  This much has been said about him in multiple forums and how he has done so much in three years to reflect on the average soldier in the country. 

It is also on record that the Nigerian  Army has not unlawfully engaged any citizen in any arms’ struggle and this very much we are aware the Army has continued to imbibe. An example of the professionalism of the Nigeria Army under Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai was in 2016 in Rivers state when militants opened fire on troops during a rerun election. Guess what?  The Army didn’t retaliate but instead fished out the criminals and handed to the police. 

Now, that is just an example of the professionalism of the Nigerian Army under Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai in recent times. The public outcry by the PDP and its agents are in poor taste and meant to mislead. Needless I add that there is no rest for the wicked. And make no mistakes, the Nigerian  Army would rise to the occasion during and after the elections in Nigeria. For those who may not want a python dance with the Army, it is simply thumb print on your ballot paper and AVOID the box itself.

Agbese is a researcher in human rights law at the Middlesex University, London.(PA542@live.mdx.ac.uk)

The Coalition for Democracy and Good Governance has hailed the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai and the Nigerian  Army over responsiveness to protecting Nigeria’s democracy and the sovereignty of the country. 

The group, therefore, called for continuous loyalty amongst troops to constituted authority before, during and after the elections.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, Emmanuel Itodo, the Executive Director of the group, said since the directive for the military to ruthlessly deal with ballot snatchers it observed that the Nigerian Army has risen to the occasion, particularly in the way it has intensified operations to counter incidents that could have undermined the elections. 

According to him, “Such calls condemning President Buhari’s directive came from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who even went to the absurd extent of asking the Army to disregard the directive was totally unacceptable to close watchers of events around the county. 

This is sad as it betrays the desperation of Atiku who now wants the country to be set ablaze since it has become clear that he is likely to come a distant third in the election. 

“We wonder how he would react to the military disregarding his orders if he were the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

Benue state governor, Mr. Samuel Ortom, also asked the Army to disregard the President even though the same Army continues to save his state from the self-inflicted violence that has gripped the state. 

“The people he armed under the guise of being herdsmen had unleashed attacks on the state and it took the intervention of the Army to curtail them. One can only wonder what the outcome would have been if the Army had gone with his request not to shoot at anyone, even those that are carrying weapons just as would be ballot box snatchers will do.

The confidence that the Coalition for Democracy and Good Governance has in the Army and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, has increased with the way he has handled the situation in which members of the opposition are asking him to politicize the military by siding with them and disregarding the directive from the C-in-C. 

“Our confidence is informed by the professionalism and apolitical nature of the current Nigerian Army under Lt. General Buratai.

“We are pleased that he has made it amply clear that the Nigerian Army is not on sale to the highest bidder. The PDP and Atiku Abubakar should at this stage get the message clearly that the Army is not the same as some of the compromised electoral officers that trampled on patriotism upon being paid in dollars. 

“The Army is also not the same as foreign agents masquerading as foreign observers that shamelessly became the spokespersons for a corrupt opposition. Both classes of compromised persons are not interested in protecting the sovereignty and integrity of Nigeria, which the Army has sworn to protect and is doing a good job of.

“General Buratai must however be wary as the PDP has continued to put officers under pressure of monetary and career inducement. He should leverage on intelligence reports to conduct hourly risk assessment until the elections are over. This is because the PDP has promised some officers in the Army dollar payment in six and seven digits once they agree to allow ballot snatching under their watch in contravention of President Buhari’s order. The contact persons that made these offers on behalf of Atiku has promised at least six different officers the position of COAS if they allow ballot box snatching and rigging so that Atiku can win.

“This is why general Buratai’s charge to army personnel to be apolitical is timely but we urge him to back this up with proactive measures to identify anyone that contravenes his directives by hobnobbing with the PDP or its agents. The Army must also suspend its officers and personnel from having any interface with foreigners and foreign organizations as these so called foreign observers are being used to convey the PDP’s messages and offers to officers. They use avenues like break times during briefings and innocuous meetings to attempt recruiting members of the Armed Forces to take sides with the opposition.

“Even as we urge General Buratai to exercise caution, we warm politicians, especially the opposition PDP to desist from dragging themselves into the administration of Nigerian Army and must cease their ongoing attempt to compromise the institution because there is a thin line between what they are attempting and treason. There is no provision in the Constitution that empowers the opposition to  dish out instruction to the Army neither does the opposition form part of the chain of command between the C-in- C, the Service Chiefs and the troops. The fact that the PDP, its presidential candidate and chieftains are attempting to compromise the Army therefore lends credence to earlier intelligence report that foreign agents have perfected a plan for the PDP to reject the outcome of the elections, declare a parallel government and get the backing of its foreign partners.

“In view of the fact that the Army is a key institution in preventing ballot box snatching and averting a descent into chaos for the country, it will come under sustained attack aimed at intimidating its ranks and leadership to capitulate and become politicized. Nigerians must consequently be prepared to resist the attempt to destroy key institutions of the country by supporting the Army in its determination to protect the sovereignty of the country and to remain subordinated to constituted authority without any iota of disloyalty. 

The commendable arrests of troublemakers commissioned by dubious politicians to cause confusion must be sustained. The Army should not be deterred by the lies being told by those claiming that it is clamping down on the opposition. What is required of it is to maintain its apolitical stance by ensuring that anyone that foments trouble is made accountable for their actions.”

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt Gen Tukur Y. Buratai has directed Nigerian Army commanders to see those who seek to undermine the country’s democracy by interfering in the electoral process as enemies of Nigeria and dealt with appropriately.  

The COAS who spoke during his opening remarks meeting with principal staff officers general officers commanding and directors held at Army Headquarters conference room, Abuja on February 20, 2019 reminded the officers that the role of the military “is aptly captured in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and we must defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity as well as act in aid of civil authority when called upon to do so. 

“Therefore, commanders must work with all stakeholders, interest groups and agencies to avert any act by any individual, groups or entities that seek to undermine our democratic process”, he said. 

Read the full text of the COAS, Buratai’s address to the Nigerian Army on the rescheduled election: 

1. You are all welcome to this expanded weekly meeting which has in attendance, not only Principal Staff Officers and Directors, but also GOCs and selected field commanders. You will all recall that just 2 weeks ago, we all met here for an Operations Conference that was held to strategize on the NA’s roles during the 2019 General Elections, which was earlier planned to commence from 16 Feb 19. 

Unfortunately, the election did not hold as planned and has been postponed to hold on 23 Feb 19 and 9 Mar 19. This shift in date has necessitated a need to review some of the decisions taken at the last conference and also to reiterate some of the directives Passed to you in light of the postponement of the elections. 

2. I wish to first remind all of you that the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable. Hence those who seek to undermine our democracy by interfering in our electoral process must be seen as enemies of Nigeria and dealt with appropriately.  Our role is aptly captured in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and we must defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity as well as act in aid of civil authority when called upon to do so. Therefore, commanders must work with all stakeholders, interest groups and agencies to avert any act by any individual, groups or entities that seek to undermine our democratic process.

3. As expected, Nigerians have expressed general disappointment with the postponement of the elections. The postponement has also increased apprehension in the populace and the international community with regards to safety of voters and the electoral materials. It is therefore vital that the NA alongside   other   security   agencies   rise up to the challenge of ensuring a peaceful outcome to this general election so as to give confidence to Nigerian citizens and to reassure the international community about our electoral process. In light of this, I am pleased with the smooth activation of Op SAFE CONDUCT and the success of Op EGWU EKE III. In addition, the recent launching of the NA Situation Room for Elections Security Monitoring, will also ensure we have real time feedback from the field. As we engage in these operations, we must remember that the army remains apolitical to ensure that no negative aspersion is cast on the NA before, during or after the elections.   

4. It is unfortunate to hear persons who are aspiring to rule this country again inciting the army to disobedience. We have consistently stated our position in the political dispensation to remain neutral and apolitical. However, direct and public incitement of the Nigerian Military against democracy and constituted civil authority will not be tolerated. I request such persons to withdraw this inciting statement. Let me reemphasize loud and clear, that the Nigerian Army is a professional army. The foundation of military professionalism is discipline and without discipline an army cannot stand. One of our core values is loyalty to constituted authority. Loyalty must be hundred per cent.  I shall leave you in no doubt as to our resolve to bequeath a professionally responsive army to Nigeria and Nigerians. Should any officer or soldier have doubts as to his loyalty to the Nigerian State as presently constituted, such a person has up to 22 February 2019 to resign. There is no room for indiscipline or disobedience to lawful orders in the NA today.

5. I want to remind all here present that the act of electoral thuggery, snatching of ballot boxes, illegal possession of elections materials and similar crimes are intended to mar an election and create deliberate avenues for post-election violence and mayhem. Such actions can also become more damaging when they are widespread, leading to destruction of lives and properties. Incidences of this nature in previous elections are often planned and orchestrated by politicians and the NA has hitherto been very cautious in its approach. However, this time around the NA will adopt a proactive posture that ensures that similar incidences do not even arise. Accordingly, in addition to my earlier directives to you in the last Operations Conference, I wish to lay emphasis on the following actions that all commanders are to abide by:

a. Commanders must deal decisively with any electoral crime or action that would be inimical to National Security. 

b. Commanders are to ensure that they and their personnel do  not  hobnob  with  politicians at any level. In this regard, there will be no military escort for any politician and all NA personnel are to stay clear of retired military officers especially those who are now politicians until after the elections. 

c. Commanders are to conduct extensive patrols within their AORs. They must ensure that all flash points within the area are dominated.

d. Commanders must in conjunction with the NPF enforce the restriction on movement within their AORs. All vehicles must be searched and suspicious persons or vehicles arrested/impounded and later hand over to the NPF.

e. Commanders must ensure they key into the NA Elections Security Monitoring Situation Room to send and receive near real-time information on events, as they occur in their AOR. 

6. I have laid emphasis on these few points to remind everyone that these are delicate times and the NA must support Nigeria’s march towards enduring democracy. In the course of the conference, I will expect every one of you to comment on your preparations for the elections as it affects your various AORs. Our role in support of democracy cannot be overemphasized; hence all hands must be on deck to ensure we have a successful outing for the next elections.

7. Finally, I want to seize this opportunity to appreciate His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, for his invaluable support to the NA towards ensuring success in our various operations. The NA must remain totally committed to the defense of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Remember that the NA must continue to remain apolitical, professional and responsive in the discharge of its constitutional roles. Thank you all and God bless.

The Progressive Yoruba Youths (PYY) has backed president Muhammadu Buhari over strict measures put in place against Nigerians plotting to jeopardise the forthcoming elections. 

President Buhari, had yesterday, during the All Progressive Congress’ (APC) caucus meeting threatened to come hard on those with plans to rig the elections. 

The president’s honest warning didn’t go down well with the opposition, who appear hell-bent on reclaiming power by any means whatsoever, even by snatching ballot boxes. 

However, the foremost Yoruba youth group has thrown its weight behind the president’s latest move to drastically halt this shameless trend. 

The Progressive Yoruba Youths offered their support in a press statement released by Kola Salawu, it’s National President.

According to the group, the declaration was a wake-up call to  security agencies to be unrelenting and decisive in dealing with potential ballot box snatchers, an ugly practice that has been the bane of previous elections.

  

The PYY added that the target wasn’t innocent, law-abiding Nigerians rather miscreants, hiding under the shade of IPOB, state government armed militias, armed terrorists and other scum of humanity that the PDP had mobilized for the purpose of snatching ballot boxes.  

“Once these ballot boxes have been snatched the result written under the supervision of our disgraced elder, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, in Abeokuta, Ogun state would have then been substituted for the actual votes in the stolen ballots. 

“As part of the scheme, the PDP has compromised some corrupt senior officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who would have gone ahead to accept the pre-written results since they have pre-thumb printed ballot papers that match the fake results they were to declare.

“More than the angst at the prospect of their errand boys being killed in the course of snatching ballot boxes, the critics of President Buhari’s assertion are pained that their overall plans have been thrown into a shambles because the scheme to rig cannot be implemented in the absence of violence and ballot snatching. The pre-written result in custody of the compromised INEC officials will no longer tally with the vote cast once the ballot snatchers have been put out of commission.

“We therefore see no reason for law abiding citizens to be concerned over the “snatch ballot box and die” comment. Those that had earlier signed up as ballot snatchers have option of refunding the amounts they have been paid to become cannon fodder. They can also opt to hold onto the money they have been paid since it is not possible for the PDP chieftains that mobilized them to sue for breach of contract as an agreement entered into in pursuit of committing a crime is non-enforceable, especially when this particular deal is with the intention to tamper with Nigeria’s democracy.

“It is however pertinent that we point out where our position slightly differ from that held by Mr President. It is not enough to decisively deal with ballot snatchers, who are mere puppets. It is pertinent that the hands manipulating the puppets are decisively dealt with. With the benefit of technology and forensics, law enforcement agencies should track down those that issued the order for ballot snatching and make them pay for their crimes against democracy and for insulting Nigerians in the worst way possible. So we appeal to Mr President to so direct law enforcement agents.

“Those who were to validate and accept pre-written results, made possible by ballot snatching, should be treated as accessories to this nefarious election crime in Nigeria. We understand that several of them have not only been identified but the tainted money they were paid for this coup against the country have been traced to several accounts. Persons that allowed themselves to be compromised in such manners have no business around election matters. They must therefore be immediately arrested and arraigned for trial on the strength of the evidence against them.

            

“We expected that the directive to security agencies to be ruthless should extend to those that carry out acts of violence in and around voting venues since there are indication that PDP has also recruited thugs to prevent people from voting in areas that are not its stronghold. 

“The point must be made for the PDP to understand that it does not have the monopoly of violence and that no individual, organization or political party can match the sanctity of the state and its legitimacy to protect citizens. Law enforcement agencies must therefore be ready at all times to prove everyone wrong that the sovereignty of Nigeria cannot be negotiated with any band of miscreants.”