The Nigerian Army has warned popular Islamic scholar, Sheikh
Ahmad Gumi and other “opinion merchants” in the country to exercise restraint
with their utterances and not drag the Army to disrepute.
The Army said contrary to Gumi’s statements to bandits
recently that Christian soldiers were the ones killing the bandits, the Army
does not deploy troops along religious or ethnic lines.
This was contained in a statement issued on Monday titled,
‘Nigerian Army Does Not Deploy Its Troops Along Ethnic Or Religious Lines’.
The statement was signed by Director, Army Public Relations,
Mohammed Yerima.
It read, “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn
to a viral video-clip showing the renowned and respected Islamic scholar,
Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, alleging that non-Muslim soldiers were responsible for the
attacks against bandits.
“In the video clip, the Islamic scholar was seen telling the
bandits that the soldiers involved in most attacks against them were
non-Muslims. He further stated that they should be aware that soldiers are
divided into Muslims and non-Muslims.
“While the Nigerian Army would not want to join issues with
the respected Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, it is, however, important to restate that the
Nigerian Army as national institution, does not deploy its troops along ethnic
or religious lines.
“Therefore, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi and other opinion merchants
are please enjoined to exercise restraint not to drag the image and reputation
of one of the most reliable national institutions to disrepute.
“The Nigerian Army remains the pride of the nation and has
continually defended the territorial integrity of this great nation. Comments
suggesting to mudslide the image and reputation of the Nigerian Army are not
only inimical but tended towards creating bad blood amongst Nigerians.
“Furthermore, most operations conducted by the Nigerian Army
were done in strict adherence to rules of engagement, code of conduct and
respect for the fundamental human rights of the citizenry without any
exception. It is therefore, disturbing that an opinion leader would
deliberately want to disparage the Nigerian Army to portray it in bad light.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to seize this opportunity to
advise opinion leaders to be more courteous while expressing their views,
taking into cognisance the imperative for national security, particularly at
this difficult times when our gallant troops have redoubled their efforts to
tackle the myriads of security challenges facing our dear nation. What our
troops need now is public support to discharge their responsibility effectively
and in the most professional manner.”
The army further warned those it referred to as “opinion
leaders” to be cautious of national security when expressing their views.
It added that the troops need support, not discouragement,
to discharge their duties professionally.
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