Defence Chief, IG Warn against Electoral Violence in Kogi, Imo, Bayelsa

*Musa says standby court martial in place for erring personnel

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

Ahead of Saturday’s off-cycle gubernatorial polls in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa States, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, yesterday, warned against electoral violence in Kogi.
He said security forces were prepared to carry out to the letter President Bola Tinubu’s directive to deal decisively with those who are plotting to truncate the election.

He spoke as the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun at a meeting with election stakeholders in Owerri, Imo State capital, also issued a stern warning to individuals and groups, who may contemplate disrupting the elections.
He stated that officers deployed for the election were charged to take decisive action against anyone found engaging in unlawful activities that undermine the integrity of the electoral process.

He also reiterated warnings against the use of VIP escorts, sirens, and illegal movements on election day.
The defence chief affirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) were prepared  to enforce the presidential directive to deal decisively with perpetrators of electoral violence. He spoke yesterday during his operational visit to troops in Kogi State.

The CDS  assured Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Edward Onoja, that the AFN in conjunction with other security agencies were prepared to ensure enabling environment where Kogi indigenes will vote for candidates of their choice.
He further warned Kogi people to desist from electoral violence, embrace peace and tolerance.
“The Armed Forces have zero tolerance for electoral violence and will ensure total compliance with the presidential directives to deal decisively with  violators”, he said.

The CDS also condoled with the people of Kogi state over the recent demise of the Ohionoyi of Ebiraland,  Ado Ibrahim.
Musa while addressing the troops of Operation Safe Conduct in Kogi State, called for  absolute professionalism by the military during the forthcoming election.
He warned personnel not to involve in any act that will be inimical  to the smooth conduct of the election and appealed for an enabling environment to allow for free and fair election.

The CDS assured the entire people of Kogi state of the resolve of security forces to safe guard lives  and property at all times.
He seized the opportunity of the visit to call on citizens to report any wrong doings by the military to the appropriate authority and ensure cooperation with troops to enable them perform their duties as dictated by the constitution.

Similarly, in his meeting with military commanders and heads of security agencies in the  state, the CDS charged them to create enabling environment to allow Kogi State indigenes to exercise their civic responsibilities and elect the candidates of their choice.
He further warned against any compromise to subvert the forth coming Kogi election, adding that security personnel will be monitored to ensure they perform their duties as expected.
The defence chief emphasised  that there was an already standing court marshal 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.