Nigerian military pledges not to undermine democracy

The Nigerian military has said it will not undermine Nigeria’s democracy or encourage any act that would threaten democratic process in Nigeria.

Referring to the controversy over the military’s role in the recent postponement of the 2015 general election, Defence Spokesperson, Chris Olukolade, said neither the military nor any of its service chiefs will engage in any act that could pose a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

Mr. Olukolade, in a statement, said Nigerians and its friends should be “reassured that the Nigerian Armed Forces believes strongly in the prospects of the country under a democratic rule and will continue to discharge its responsibility to support our democracy as constitutionally guaranteed.”

Stating that the military values the calm exhibited by citizens, the defence spokesperson said it recognizes the nation’s larger interest and that her security is sacrosanct and beyond any political expediency or ulterior consideration.

He advised Nigerians to strive towards separating the military from partisan politics and retain their confidence in its neutrality and sense of patriotism at this critical point.

...PremiumTimes