Ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Kogi State, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, on Thursday warned those planning any form of violence to disrupt the smooth conduct of the exercise to stay off or be ready to face the troops.
According to a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by Director Defence Information (DDI), Brig-General Tukur Gusau, the CDS who handed down the warning while speaking at the Kogi State Government House during his operational visit to the Troops in the state ahead of the election assured the readiness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to enforce the presidential directive to deal decisively with perpetrators of electoral violence.
It stated that the CDS assured Governor Yahaya Bello, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Edward David Onoja that the AFN in conjunction with other security agencies was ready to allow an enabling environment where Kogi indigenes would vote for candidates of their choice.
He further warned Kogi people to desist from electoral violence, embrace peace and tolerance.
According to him, the Armed Forces has zero tolerance for electoral violence and will ensure total compliance with the Presidential directives to deal decisively with violators.
The CDS also condoled with the people of Kogi State over the recent demise of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ado Ibrahim.
It added that General Musa, while addressing the troops of OPERATION SAFE CONDUCT the state, called for absolute professionalism by the military during the forthcoming election and warned personnel not to involve in any act that would be inimical to the smooth conduct of the election. General Musa appealed for an enabling environment to allow for free and fair elections.
General Musa pointed out that security personnel would be monitored to ensure they perform their duties as expected.
The CDS 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.
According to the statement, the CDS assured the entire people of Kogi State of the AFN’s resolve to safeguard lives and property at all times and called the opportunity of the visit to call on the citizens to report any wrongdoings by the military to the appropriate authority and ensure cooperation with troops to enable them perform their duties as dictated by the constitution.
It added that 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 and further warned against any compromise to subvert the forthcoming Kogi election.
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