Imamoglu's striking criticism of Erdogan's 'lieutenant oath' reaction: 'The one who called someone a murderer yesterday and a brother today'

In his speech, Erdogan reacted harshly to the lieutenants' sword oath at the Military Academy graduation ceremony with the following expressions:

"WHO ARE YOU DRAWING THESE SWORDS AT?"

On July 15, we saved our army from a deadly tumor, and now our army has returned to its essence. The spirit of Malazgirt and the spirit of our War of Independence are finding life again in our army.

As we are cleansed of FETO traitors, our army is writing epics in the defense of the homeland. This army belongs to the nation and is the apple of the nation's eye. We will not allow our army to be worn down again.

Recently, at a graduation ceremony, some opportunists emerged and drew swords. Who are you drawing these swords at? All necessary investigations regarding these individuals are being conducted, and those few who do not know their place there will also be purged.

We will not allow political scores to be settled through our army. It is impossible for them to remain within our army."

IMAMOGLU'S CRITICISM OF THE DELAYED REACTION

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu criticized Erdogan for his reaction, which came a week after the incident.

Criticizing Erdogan's words with the phrase "Give up your habit of trying to manufacture a coup out of every event," Imamoglu made the following statement on his social media account, referencing President Erdogan's meeting with Sisi:

"The loyalty of our Turkish Armed Forces and our lieutenants to Commander-in-Chief Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is above politics. 

Young lieutenants wanted to express their respect for the founder of the country with great enthusiasm on their happiest and most honorable day, that is all.

Give up your habit of trying to manufacture a coup out of every event, do not ruin the future of our youth. I am addressing our dear youth and their families; we, as a nation, will get rid of this mentality that calls someone a 'murderer' yesterday and a 'brother' today, and this mindset that uses everything for its own political interests and divides the nation, in the first election. Long live the Republic. 

Long live Mustafa Kemal Ataturk."

The loyalty of our Turkish Armed Forces and our lieutenants to Commander-in-Chief Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is above politics.

Young lieutenants wanted to express their respect for the founder of the country with great enthusiasm on their happiest and most honorable day, that is all.

Give up your habit of trying to manufacture a coup…

— Ekrem İmamoğlu (@ekrem_imamoglu) September 7, 2024

News Source: 12punto