The out-going General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, Maj.-Gen. Suleiman Yusuf, has said that the military in Enugu State played a neutral role during the 2015 general elections.

Speaking during a farewell visit to Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in Enugu on Monday, Yusuf said that Enugu was one of the most peaceful states during the elections.

He said that many petitions were written against him that he colluded with the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) to rig the elections.

“Some people wrote petitions that I collected bribe from the PDP to tilt the outcome of the elections in their favour, but elections here were some of the best.

“I keep saying the PDP don’t have to pay bribe to win election in Enugu State because it is their enclave,” he said.

The general said that soldiers posted to provide security during the polls were above board and did their job professionally.

Yusuf said that he had come to inform the governor of his posting to the Defence Headquarters, Abuja where he would take up a greater challenge.

He said that he was delighted to work in the state, adding that the residents made the job easier by collaborating with them to provide security.

He said that Enugu State was one of the most peaceful in the country and appealed to the governor to extend similar collaborative effort to his successor.

“We thank you for the collaboration with the 82 Division and believe that it can only get better,” Yusuf said.

Responding, Ugwuanyi said that he received the imminent departure of the outgoing GOC with mixed-feelings.

He said that the residents of the state would remain grateful to him for the way the military collaborated with other security outfits to make Enugu State a safe haven.

“We thank you for your professionalism and commitment to provide security to our people and wish you greater achievements in your assignment,’’ he said.

Ugwuanyi said that the government would continue to collaborate with the 82 Division to maintain and safeguard the state. (NAN)