By Kingsley Omonobi
Abuja—The Military High Command has accused Amnesty International, AI, of a grand plot to truncate democracy in Nigeria, describing the human rights body as an agent of destabilization.

According to the military, Amnesty International has negative mission in Nigeria, having become an agent of destabilization, masquerading as a reputable international NGO.

In  a  statement signed by Defence spokesman, Brigadier-General Rabe Abubakar, the military charged Nigerians to rise to the daunting challenge of not giving AI the chance to truncate the nation’s hard earned democracy and unity.”

The statement read:  “Amnesty International does not operate like this in other nations of the world, hence the military once again condemns the activities of AI and its affiliates in Nigeria.

“It is not until you write negative report about Nigeria before you are seen working or justifying the huge amount you receive from international bodies.

“Nigerian military wishes to warn International Non-Governmental Organizations operating in the country, such as Amnesty International and their affiliates to desist from meddling in security issues in our country, which is inimical to national interest, cohesion and unity.”

“Activities of AI in our nation have shown that AI never meant well for Nigeria and the situation is getting clearer to national and international communities what the AI is up to.

“This could be corroborated by inherent lopsidedness in AI’s portrayal of Nigeria, its involvement in local politics and taking sides with terrorists and other belligerent groups to cause internal disorder, which no country can tolerate.

“The military in this new dispensation, has maintained open door policy and has been cooperating with all stakeholders in ensuring that Nigerian Armed Forces remains one of the best and a proud institution for all Nigerians.

“For AI to be making spurious allegation, especially without substantiated and cogent reason, apart from those adduced by the AI itself for the reason best known to it and its collaborators, is disturbing and unethical of an international organization that is supposed to steer clear of local politics and to be seen as maintaining neutrality in its reportage of the countries it operates.

“Incessant negative report on Nigeria in general and the Armed Forces in particular by AI is condemnable by all well-meaning Nigerians who have seen and appreciate what the military and other security agencies have done to decimate Boko Haram terrorists and contain other criminal elements.

“The AI infamous act only succeeds in giving an insight to the possibility of the organization sponsoring various criminal gangs in our country with a view to achieving the sponsor’s intent.

“As much as the military welcomes comments, criticism and observation that could help the institution to grow higher for the interest of our nation, the activities of  AI, to say the least, is far from being noble.

“While the military and other security agencies remain focus in tackling the myriad of security problems in our nation, we urge our citizens, partners and international communities to continue to support Nigeria in its quest to free us from the hands of criminal elements which AI and its cohorts are supporting.

“It is our conviction that, despite AI fanning the embers of disunity, hate and destabilization in our land, Nigeria would continue to remain united, strong and prosperous to take her rightful place in the comity of nations.”