Army sets up committee to investigate alleged misconduct of personnel during elections

The Nigerian Army has set up a nine-member committee to investigate all allegations of misconduct against its personnel during the last general elections.

The committee, which is to submit its report not later than March 31, this year, is headed by Maj-Gen. TA Gagariga, with Brig-Gen. JM Ali; Brig-Gen. GO Adeshina; Brig-Gen. MA Obari; Col. AT Bitiyong; Col. A Tanko and Col. WA Bakare as members, and Lt-Col. PAJ Ebuk as Secretary.

The committee, which has already commenced action, was inaugurated by the Chief of Administration (Army), Maj-Gen. KAY Isiyaku, on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, and admonished to carry out their duties objectively, fairly and transparently in line with its Terms of Reference, which is centered on thoroughly investigating the activities; actions and/or inactions of Nigeria Army personnel in all the states that alleged one infraction/wrongdoing or the other.

The committee is also to collate and thoroughly analyse all reports to determine the veracity of the allegations, including the alleged assassination attempt on Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and the circumstances that led to the shooting to death of Lt. Kurmi, as well as that leading to serious injuries to an officer and some soldiers in the state.

It is further mandated to visit all states where issues have been raised about the conduct of its personnel during and after the elections and also interact with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), sister security agencies and state governors with claims against the Army.

It would be recalled that Buratai has on many fora, consistently (both in words and actions), indicated that under his watch, Nigeria Army personnel must remain apolitical, respect human rights and abide by the rule of law in all their official engagements within or outside Nigeria and in or out of conflict situation.

Gagariga had assured the COAS and all Nigerians of the panel’s commitment, resolve and determination to objectively and professionally address the major issues as contained in its Terms of Reference.