The Nigerian military at the weekend tried desperately to exonerate itself from the blame that characterised the postponed governorship election in Southern Ijaw council area of Bayelsa State last Monday.

Both domestic and foreign observers had blamed the military for taking sides in the election, especially in Southern Ijaw, which was later cancelled by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The cancelation led to the entire election in the state declared inclusive and the military has strenuously been trying to extricate itself from the allegation of partisanship.

In an attempt to get journalists to attend a press conference at the military base in Yenagoa, the state capital, the military said it was going to parade 17 suspects arrested in the course of the election.

However, on getting there, reporters were surprised that not only were there no suspects to be paraded, the military authorities said it would not field questions.

Stephenson Olabanji, a Brigadier General and Commander, 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, proceeded to read out a prepared statement.

While saying its personnel did their job, Olabanji noted that there were some flashpoints in the state like Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor.

“In Ekeremor local government Area, three youths were apprehended with suspected stolen 30 PVCs.

“Similarly, on 6th December 2015, along Olugbobiri River, a speed boat carrying 9 persons was intercepted carrying 5 AK47 riffles and some ammunition,” the army chief said, adding that the suspects were handed over to the police for further investigation.

He explained that troops encountered a charged atmosphere caused by members of rival political parties, including the influx of weapons into the communities.

“Sporadic gunshots were later heard from Oporoma where it was discovered that unidentified rival gunmen had entered the community in attempt to storm the INEC Collation center and hijack sensitive materials,” he added.

According to the commander, there was an exchange of fire with the suspects, leading to the arrest of five suspects and recovery of five AK 47 riffles and some ammunition.

Olabanji further blamed the sudden appearance of one of the contenders in the election for the escalation of an already tensed situation and warned residents to be mindful of armed men disguising in military uniforms.