2023: Shun partisan politics, COAS warns officers

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, yesterday warned officers to shun partisan politics during the 2023 general elections.

He urged them to face their constitutional role of protecting the nation’s territory against internal and external aggression.

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He spoke in Abuja during the second quarter of the COAS Conference.

Yahaya also launched ‘Operation Safe Conduct’, saying he had directed immediate commencement of the operation to enhance civil-military relation efforts during the elections.

He said all personnel must remain apolitical while providing enabling and secured environment for electoral processes to thrive.

“In this regard, we’re mindful that elections are coming, that is why I directed the review of the Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct for Operation Safe Conduct and the approved guidelines would be conveyed to you soon.

“The Nigerian Army will continue to enhance its civil-military relations efforts and provide the necessary support in aid of the civil authority.

“It’s usual for the military to review its rules of engagement and conduct of operations in tune with developing situations and that’s what we’re doing in order to ensure, through our support to civil authorities, there’s free and fair election.

“We’re already in Ekiti, the review would guide them in their operations and activities in support of civil authorities for the election.

“We, in the army and the military remain apolitical, our role is to mainly provide support to civil authorities and other responsibilities as enshrined in the constitution,” he said.