The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Rabe Abubakar, has stated that the military was not partisan in the last rerun in Rivers State, but was on ground to provide its professional services.
This clarification is coming on the heels of condemnation of the role of the military and other security agencies in the outcome of the election across the state.
The Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State and the All Progressives Congress (APC) had come heavily on the military because of its alleged role in the December 10 2016 rerun, which the parties insisted influenced the outcome of the elections in favour of their opponents.
But in a media chat with journalists in Port Harcourt, on Thursday, Abubakar, who is currently on tour of military formations across the country, stated that the military exhibited professionalism during the election.
He said the military had the responsibility of securing the lives of the electorate and also ensuring safe and conducive atmosphere whenever they exercise their franchise.
Abubakar added that in the event of any default, the military authorities have internal mechanisms to discipline any indicted officer.
“If there is any person found wanting of professional misconduct during the Rivers rerun, he would not be condoned. The military does not take side with any political party in the conduct of elections,” he said.
Abubakar challenged anyone or establishment with credible evidence against the military in the conduct of the last rerun to come up with such evidence.
He explained that the military would henceforth be more open to the press, regularly dish out information as well as timely response to enquiries from journalists.
“The military views the media as an important aspect of its operations at ensuring total peace and security in all parts of the country. We are always out to do all that is in our part to safeguard the lives and property of individuals and government,” he said.
He said the media is one of the important agencies that contribute to the achievement of peace in the society, through its reportage of events, urging journalists to avoid reporting news that could jeopardsise peace and harmony of the country.
“Let me assure you of our non-partisanship and we expect you to see us as that,” he said, adding “that the media should help to inform the people that the military and other agencies are always out to maintain the security of lives and property.”