By Joseph Amedu
Lokoja – Ahead of the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Kogi State, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Chris Musa, has called for synergy among security agencies in the state to make the election peaceful and violence -free.
The CDS made the call during a stakeholders meeting with Heads of security agencies held at the Headquarters of the 12 Brigade Nigeria Army Lokoja.
He said issues of violence, ballot box snatching, thuggery among other vices should not be allowed to rear their ugly heads during the forthcoming election.
Musa said President Bola Tinubu, has given a clear directive that no form of violence should be allowed to happen during election again in Nigeria
According to him, it is the duty of the Nigerian Army to work in synergy with other sister security agencies to provide a peaceful and enabling environment before, during and after the election in the state.
The CDS assured the residents of adequate security, saying the Armed Forces would be fully on ground to ensure a peaceful, violence free and credible governorship election in Kogi State.
He described Kogi as very strategic and important to the country, saying that was why President Tinubu was very particular about a peaceful election in the state.
He assured that maximum security would be provided to enable people to exercise their civic responsibilities.
The stakeholders present include Heads and Representatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Service (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), NAVY (NNS LUGARD).
Others include the Nigerian Immigration Services (NIS), Nigerian Correctional Services, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), among others.
The stakeholders in their separate comments, promised to ensure effective collaboration with one and another in order to achieve peaceful violence free poll.
Earlier, the CDS addressed the troops where he charged the Command to work in collaboration with other security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to achieve a credible election.
The CDS cautioned the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army against involvement in illegal activities during the election, saying they should not compromise their duties with money or anything from the politicians.
He stressed that whoever was caught in such act would be dismissed and send to jail.
He emphasised that President Tinubu had done everything possible to take care of Armed forces and now the time for officers to do their work.
General Musa also advised the officers and soldiers to guide against violation of Human Rights in the discharge of their duties.
He, however, charged them not hesitate to bring down any civilian that is carrying arms, saying it is a taboo for a personnel of the Nigeria Army to run away from a civilian that is carrying arms.
The CDS after the stakeholders’ meeting paid courtesy call on the Governor Yahaya Bello at the Government House Lokoja, where he was received by his Deputy, Chief Edward Onoja.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
