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Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has visited Edo State ahead of the governorship election in the state to assess troops’ readiness.
He has warned troublemakers to leave the state or be ready to face the consequences.
No fewer than 17 political parties are expected to participate in the election which is slated for September 21.
A statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, noted that the CDS also met with the governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki, and assured him of a safe environment for the election.
He said, “The CDS has today, September 19, 2024, visited Edo State to assess the readiness of members of the Armed Forces and security agencies for the governorship election on Saturday.
“Speaking during his visit to Governor Godwin Obaseki, the CDS said he is in the state to assess the operational readiness of the troops and other security agencies. He assured the governor of enabling the environment for Edo people to come out and vote for their candidate of choice.“
Musa also promised that the troops deployed for the election would be professional in their conduct.
“ I want to assure the good people of Edo State that the Armed Forces and other security agencies are going to act professionally in the conduct of the election,” he added.
Musa warned those with intentions to cause violence against doing so or face the consequences.
“He warned that any person with an intention other than peaceful election should probably leave the state or bear the consequences of the law, “ the statement added.
He stated that bearing weapons of any kind by individuals would not be condoned.
Musa said, “Armed Forces will not accept any individual carrying arms and weapons of any kind. He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given the military the mandate to ensure the most peaceful election in the history of the state.
“General Musa maintained that the Armed Forces will ensure Mr president’s directive comes to fruition. He seized the opportunity to appeal to Edo citizens to come out and vote en masse while guaranteeing their security. The Nigerian Police he said, will provide general security while the military will give security back up for the election.
“ The Defence Chief also called on the members of the Armed Forces to be professional before, during and after the election. He reminded the troops of the availability of standby court martial to instantly try erring personnel.“
In his response, the Executive governor of the state, Obaseki, thanked the CDS for visiting Edo state.
He described the visit as reassuring as he added that the General Officer Commanding 2 Division and other military personnel have been amazingly supportive in terms of providing security for the state. He also said the Edo state election is strategically important to our national security.
Obaseki reassured the CDS of the state’s continuous support to the Armed Forces and other security agencies to improve security in Edo.
