The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says the security agencies will ensure that this Saturday’s governorship election in Edo is conducted free and fair under a conducive environment.
Musa gave the assurance on Wednesday, when he visited the state to assess the readiness of members of the Armed Forces and Security agencies for the governorship election.
During a visit to Gov. Godwin Obaseki, the CDS assured the governor of an enabling environment for Edo people to come out and vote for the candidate of their choice.
He added that members of the armed forces and other security agencies would act professionally in the conduct of the election.
Musa warned that any person with any intention other than peaceful election should leave the state or bear the consequences of the law.
“Armed Forces will not accept any individual carrying arms and weapons of any kind.
“President Bola Tinubu has given the military the mandate to ensure the most peaceful election in the history of the state and the armed forces will ensure Mr president’s directive comes to fruition,” he said.
The defence chief also appealed to Edo citizens to come out en masse and vote while guaranteeing their security.
According to him, the Nigeria Police will provide general security while the military will give security back up for the election.
He also called on the members of the armed forces to be professional before, during and after the election, while reminding the troops of the availability of standby court marshal to instantly try erring personnel.
Addressing critical stakeholders earlier, Musa called on them to create an enabling environment for the people of the state to cast their votes freely, adding that the entire world was watching.
According to him, additional security devices have been deployed to watch security agencies involved in the election.
In his response, Gov. Obaseki thanked the CDS for visiting the state and described the visit as reassuring.
He added that the General officer Commanding 2 division and other military personnel had been supportive in terms of providing security for the state.
According to him, Edo state election is strategically important to national security.
Obaseki assured the CDS of the state’s continuous support to the armed forces and other security agencies to improve security in Edo. (NAN)