The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, said the military would enforce the presidential directive to deal decisively with perpetrators of violence in the forthcoming elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa State.
The CDS also warned military personnel deployed during elections to avoid any act of partisanship.
Gen. Musa said this at different fora when he visited Kogi State Government House, and while addressing the troops of OPERATION SAFE CONDUCT in the state, on Thursday, November 2.
In a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, the CDS while speaking at the Kogi State Government House, assured the state governor, Yahaya Bello, that the military and other security agencies were ready to allow for an enabling environment for the people of the state to exercise their franchise.
The statement read: “The CDS warned Kogi people to desist from electoral violence and embrace peace and tolerance. He said the Armed Forces of Nigeria has zero tolerance for electoral violence and will ensure total compliance with the Presidential directives to deal decisively with violators.
“The CDS also condole the people of Kogi state over the recent demise of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland Alhaji Ado Ibrahim.”
While addressing troops of OPERATION SAFE CONDUCT in Kogi state, the statement said Gen. Musa called for absolute professionalism by the military during the forthcoming election.
According to the statement, the CDS warned military personnel not to be involved in any act that would be inimical to the smooth conduct of the election.
It further stated: “In his meeting with Military Commanders and heads of security agencies in the state, the CDS charged them to create an enabling environment to allow Kogi State indigenes to exercise their civic responsibilities and elect the candidates of their choice.
“He said security personnel will be monitored to ensure they perform their duties as expected. The CDS emphasized that there is an already standing Court Martial to prosecute any Military personnel found wanting in the discharge of his duties during the election.
“He called on military personnel to remain apolitical and ensure maximum security of lives and property before, during and after the elections.”
While ensuring people in the state of the military’s resolve to safeguard lives and property during and after the election, he urged citizens to report any wrongdoings by any military personnel to the appropriate authority for proper sanction.
It noted: “The CDS called on citizens to cooperate with troops to enable them to perform their duties as dictated by the Constitution. The CDS however warned against any compromise to subvert the forthcoming Kogi election.”
