The Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has decried attempts by some politicians in the country to prevent the military from providing security to ensure smooth conduct of elections.
The governor specifically described the proponents of such call as “insincere”, warning them to desist forthwith.
Governor Uduaghan told the General Officer Commanding the 2nd Division of the Nigeria Army, Ibadan, Oyo State, Major General Sanusi Nasiru Muazu, who visited him in Warri, to ignore such calls.
The governor observed that some politicians through their comments and actions are determined to drag the military into the murky political waters.
According to the governor, such politicians are not sincere and they should desist from such attempts.
He said: “The army has a big role to play in providing security and ensuring the smooth conduct of free and fair election. And as such, they cannot be done away with at the moment. We should not drag the military into politics. Anyone who questions their relevance during election is not being sincere at all.”
Uduaghan expressed appreciation to the military for its successes in the war against Boko Haram in the North East.
He said: “I want to on behalf of the greater majority of politicians thank you for the successes you have achieved in curbing the activities of the Boko Haram in the North East. I know that the insurgency will soon be a thing of the past with the successes so far attained.
“Let me use this opportunity to also thank you for your role during the Niger-Delta crisis. I want to appeal to you to sustain your activities in checking kidnapping and other related crimes in the zone.”
Muazu told the governor that military formations are ready to provide security during the forthcoming general elections.
He said: “We are non-partisan but we will provide an enabling environment for all politicians to campaign during this electioneering period and ensure that the elections are free and fair.”