Bayelsa state govt vindicates Nigerian Army as COAS unveil new barracks

By Dansu Peter

The Bayelsa Deputy Governor, retired Rear Admiral John Jonah has implored Nigerians not to blame the army for its involvement in the 2019 general elections.

Jonah made the remark on Saturday at Elebele in Yenogoa during the inauguration of some building projects in the 16 Brigade Barracks otherwise known “Tukur Buratai Camp” located in the community.

The deputy governor said he had investigated the army involvement in the election and found that what they did was not different from what the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai mandated.

He, therefore, appealed to Nigerians to continue to support the Nigerian army which he described as a stabilising factor, to discharge its duties.
Buratai had at different fora said the constitution empowers the army to support civil authority in addressing internal security challenges when called upon, citing Section 217 of the 1999 constitution as amended.

The army chief this role also extend to providing security during elections.
He, however, warned those deployed for the conduct of the election to be professional, respect human rights and remain apolitical.

Earlier while inaugurating building projects in the barracks, Buratai who was represented by Maj.-Gen. A. A. Saliu, the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command – TRADOC, charged commanders to always impact positively on their environment.

He promised more fund to provide required infrastructure in the Brigade and army formations across the country.

Buratai also called on the citizens to cooperate with the military by providing it with useful information to enable it ensure their safety.

Also speaking at the event, the GOC 6 Division Port Harcourt, Maj.-Gen. Jail Sarham noted that the Brigade would assist in addressing security challenges in Bayelsa and Niger Delta in general.

Sarham thanked the state government for the assistance it provided for the construction of the barracks.

In a welcome address, Brig.-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe, the Brigade Commander, said what is required in the new barracks now is perimeter fencing, parade ground and officers’ quarters.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the building inaugurated included Guard house, a two-storey medical centre, Brigade Garrison, Soldiers and Warrant Officers/Sergeant clubs and a block of 30 flats for Corporal and below.