TheCable

The Nigerian army has disclosed its plan to set up a special court-martial to try partisan army personnel.

Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff, said this on Tuesday when he declared open the 2018 chief of army staff first quarter conference.

He warned the personnel to remain apolitical and professionally responsive in the discharge of their constitutional duties.

“I have directed for a special standing court martial to be set up in preparation for the coming 2019 elections,” he said.

“I must warn that Nigerian army personnel found hobnobbing with politicians or being partisan will be investigated and sent to the special standing court martial. I must state clearly that any officer or soldier who wishes to be sympathetic to political, religious or ethnic cause should voluntarily retire from the Nigerian army.”

He also restated the ban on any form of worship outside the barracks except those permitted for wedding and other social functions.

“Therefore, officers and soldiers must restrain themselves from any act of political, religious or ethnic patronage as these would attract severe consequences,’’ he said.