The Defence headquarters has cautioned politicians and their social media managers ahead of the 2023 general election to refrain from misusing images and videos of military personnel for their own agendas.
According to DHQ, misusing such visuals not only tarnishes the image of the armed forces but also has the potential to instigate distrust and instability.
This warning comes after two videos went viral, allegedly showing soldiers on the battlefield celebrating and expressing support for one presidential candidate in one video, and denigrating another presidential candidate in another.
In a statement titled “Re: Videos of Soldiers Purported To Be Praising One Presidential Candidate While Insulting Another” released by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Jimmy Akpor, the Defence Headquarters emphasized, “For 23 years since 1999, the military has toiled night and day to protect and keep guard over Nigeria’s democracy. Thus, the same military cannot afford to be partisan or commit to any enterprise that would create disharmony in the polity.”
The attention of Defence Headquarters was drawn to two videos circulating online. The first video clip shows troops apparently celebrating and endorsing one presidential candidate, while the second video clip shows them dancing to a derogatory song insulting another candidate.
The Defence Headquarters clarified that the original visual content was manipulated to create these videos, as the original soundtrack was a standard morale-boosting song used during military exercises or activities.
They pointed out that it is disingenuous to use military activity videos to create content that portrays the military as partisan, political, and unprofessional, particularly as the nation prepares for the 2023 general elections.
The Defence Headquarters stressed the military’s commitment to remaining non-partisan and upholding professionalism, especially during the electoral process.