Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, the Chief of Army Staff, has issued a warning that neither IPOB nor ESN, nor any other group, individual, should pose a threat to the integrity of the country as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He spoke against the backdrop of threats made by IPOB/ESN and their supporters that there wouldn’t be elections in the Zone long before the actual elections and further explained that the peaceful conduct of election in the southeast despite the insecurity in the legion shows that they are out to ensure security in the country.
Speaking at the opening of the Chief of Army Staff First Quarter Conference at the Command Officer’s Mess, Abuja, the COAS said, “Let me state here that elections or no elections, neither IPOB, ESN nor any other group, groups or individuals should threaten the integrity of this Nation as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I must commend you all for your adherence to all guidelines and implementation of decisions taken during last Year’s Annual Conference as evident in our professional conduct and apolitical disposition during the just concluded general elections. Your strict adherence to my directives and guidance in this respect is quite commendable.
“Accordingly, elections were therefore held in the South East and successfully too, just like other parts of the country. Generally, our operations and decisive actions against the criminal elements have impacted positively on the security situation in the region, giving confidence to law-abiding citizens in the South East.
“The peaceful conduct of general elections across the country including the South East despite the sense of insecurity created by criminal elements in the region is a testament to our resolve to ensure security in the entire Nation.
“Our additional efforts through Joint Task Force Operation Udoka paid off in the South East thus ensuring successful Elections in the region as well, even though, long before the actual elections, IPOB/ESN and their supporters had threatened that there would be no elections in the Zone.
