President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Nigerian armed forces to remain apolitical and continue to operate within the framework of the constitution to ensure the successful conduct of the 2023 elections.
According to a statement by Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, Buhari spoke on Monday while declaring open the chief of army staff’s annual conference in Sokoto.
The president said it is vital that the armed forces support the civil authority by providing a peaceful environment to enable the success of the forthcoming elections.
“The professionalism you exhibited in the successful conduct of the Anambra, Osun, and Ekiti states elections should also be reflected in the 2023 general elections,” he said.
The president also appealed to the army to continue to improve their human rights obligations during operations as this is “the major pathway for winning the hearts and minds of the people”.
“As a key element of our national power, the Nigerian army will continue to be a major catalyst for our development especially by providing the needed aid to civil authority,” he said.
“This administration has therefore maintained a robust policy towards modernisation of the Nigerian army and the armed forces in general.
“It is evident that the ongoing progressive modernisation of the Nigerian army under our administration has greatly improved the capabilities as well as combat efficiency of the service to discharge its roles.”
The president said the provision of security to Nigerians would continue to receive special attention by his administration, adding that deliberate actions are ongoing to provide the necessary support to enhance national security.
