Army Accuses Politicians Of Starting Violence In South-east

The Nigerian Army has accused politicians of attempting to cause crisis between its officers and people in the South East for their selfish interest as it launches exercise “Python Dance II”.

Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, the Director, Army Public Relations made the accusation in a statement on Friday.

“It is so sad and unfortunate that a particular group of people, for political expediency and mischief, are trying to set the military and Nigerian society against each other.

“It is sad, it is unfortunate,’’ Usman said while reacting to the face-off between the army and members of some groups in the zone, particularly in Abia.

Usman described the face-off between the army and members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Abia as an isolated issue which he said was being blown out of proportion by some people.

“These isolated incidences, instigated by miscreants and mischief makers, therefore, should not be taken as something that should jeopardise the military exercise going on in that place .

“It is really sad and unfortunate that people will not find time to ask question about the essence and activities involved in respect of exercise Egwu Eke II before jumping into conclusion.

“The exercise is taking part in the entire South East and Cross River, why should we have problem in one state – Abia.

“There is no reported problem in Imo, Ebonyi, Anambra, Enugu and Cross River states.” he said.

The army spokesman called for understanding, saying that there “is need for all of us to be more responsible, exercise understanding about the issues at hand, support and encourage the military to perform its legitimate duty.