The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa has issued a stern warning to individuals plotting to disrupt the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi, instructing them to avoid these states.
Musa made this statement while addressing the press right after the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) gathering in Abuja.
He offered reassurance to the citizens of Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi, urging them not to be concerned.
Musa committed to the full backing of the Armed Forces in collaboration with the police to guarantee a free and equitable state election.
“The Armed Forces, the police, and other security agencies would be on the ground. Every Nigerian, we are sure is tired of elections with violence and this will try to make a difference.”
“We want at the end of the day, every Nigerian should be proud of, first to be a Nigerian and to understand that elections are now free and fair.”
“We want everybody who wins our elections to be happy that he won very well without any intimidation,’’ he said.
The Army Chief emphasized that a prior caution had been issued to security personnel set to be deployed for the elections, indicating that any misconduct during the elections would result in consequences. Musa further recommended that the presence of security agencies in the three states should not concern law-abiding individuals but rather those with intentions to disrupt the election.
Additionally, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, affirmed that there would be no tolerance for those intending to incite trouble or engage in violence within the states.
“We are aware of negative mobilizations by some supporters of some candidates and we are already monitoring them. We are ready for them for these elections. I appeal to them to stay away from this election.”
“I also appeal to the electorate to come out en masse to cast their votes during this election. We are committed to peaceful election and no going back,’’ he said.
He stated that the security agencies were fully prepared and dedicated to ensuring the off-cycle elections would be conducted in a free and fair manner.
“We have received all necessary information from INEC which have informed us on where to deploy to during these election.”
“We have carried out a threat assessment and that has informed us in respect to the allocation of our resources and the deployment of our men.”
“All the security agencies are collaborating strongly to ensure that these elections are violence-free,’’ he said.
”He assured that accredited journalists for the election would be protected in the cause of carrying out their duties,’’ Egbetokun said.
The Inspector General also provided further insight into the reasons behind the police’s decision to organize its annual retreat in Imo, explaining that the selection of the state was intentional.
“ Our choice of Owerri is deliberate. it is deliberate because of this election. We want to send message to the people of Imo that the state is free for this election.
“We want to encourage the voters to come out en mass to take part in this election.”
“We are deploying massively for Imo to make sure that the election in the state is free and fair and hitch-free,’’ Egbetokun said