Benin (Core Reporters) The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa on Wednesday visited Edo State to access the readiness of members of the Armed Forces and Security agencies ahead of the governorship election on Saturday.
Gen. Musa informed Edo state goveenor, Godwin Obaseki, he is in the state to access the operational readiness of the troops and other security agencies. While assurinh him of enabling environment for Edo people to come out and vote for their candidate of choice.
He further added that ” I want to assure the good people of Edo State the Armed Forces and other security agencies are going to act professionally in the conduct of the election.”
However, CDS warned that any person with intention other than peaceful election should probably leave the state or bear the consequences of the law. He reiterated the fact that the “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 marshal to instantly try erring personnel.
In his response, the Executive governor of the state, Mr Godwin 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 has been amazingly supportive in terms of providing security for the state. He also said Edo state election is strategically important to our national security. Governor Obaseki reassured the CDS of the state continuous support to the Armed Forces and other security agencies to improve security in Edo.
Earlier, while addressing critical stake holders, General Musa said the entire world is watching. He called on stake holders to create an enabling environment for edolites to cast their votes freely. He warned that additional security devices have been deployed to watch security agencies involved in the election.
