The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has assured of the readiness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria ( AFN) to enforce the presidential directive to deal decisively with perpetrators of electoral violence.
A statement by Director Defence Information Brigadier General Tukur Gusau Thursday, disclosed that General Musa disclosed this during his operational visit to troops in Kogi state.
He said the CDS while speaking at the Kogi State Government House, assured Governor Yahaya Bello, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Edward David Onoja that the military in conjunction with other security agencies is ready to allow for an 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.
He said, ” The Armed Forces has zero tolerance for electoral violence and will ensure total compliance with the Presidential directives to deal decisively with violators.”
According to the statement, the CDS also condole the people of Kogi state over the recent demise of the Ohionoyi of Ebiraland Alhaji Ado Ibrahim.
It said General Musa while addressing the troops of OPERATION SAFE CONDUCT in Kogi state, called for absolute profesionalism by the military during the forth coming election.
He warned personnel not to involve in any act that will be inimical to the smooth conduct of the election.
The CDS assured the entire people of Kogi state of the AFN resolve 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.
He said the CDS in his meeting with Military Commanders and heads of security agencies in the state, he 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.
General Musa added that security Personnel will be monitored to ensure they perform their duties as expected.
The CDS emphasised that there is 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.
