Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has advised officers and men of the Nigerian Army to be apolitical throughout the 2023 general election.
He stated that in the interest of the country’s democratisation process, the military must adhere to president Muhammadu Buhari, chief of defence staff and chief of army’s commitment not to interfere in the 2023 general election.
Wike spoke at the weekend during the West African Social Activities (WASA) 2022, organised by the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
The governor, who was the special guest of honour at the occasion, was represented by the chief of staff, government house, Port Harcourt, Emeka Woke.
While commending the military for its active role in fighting crime in the state, Wike urged officers and men of the 6 Division to work assiduously with personnel of other security to provide level playing for all political parties and politicians in the state.
The governor said, “We want to thank you for the relationship we have enjoyed. You have also contributed a lot in terms of crime fighting. But as you are aware, we are now in election season.
“It is on public notice that Mr President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces (Muhammadu Buhari) has said at different forums that he will not interfere in the forthcoming election.
“And that he will ensure a free and fair election. The chief of defence staff has also said at different forums that the military will be apolitical and they will not interfere in the general election. I want to believe that men and officers of this 6 Division will follow suit.
“I want to believe they will follow the position of Mr president, chief of defence staff and chief of army staff not to interfere in politics. I am saying this because of the ugly experience the people who live and do business in Rivers State had during the last election.”
