CDS Musa expresses military’s readiness for Imo, Kogi, Bayelsa Gov elections  (Pictures)

CDS Musa expresses military’s readiness for Imo, Kogi, Bayelsa Gov elections (Pictures)

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa on Tuesday said that the military was ready for the off-cycle elections in the states of Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa.

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Musa issued a warning, saying that no violent act will be tolerated prior to, during, or following the elections.

Recall that the elections in the three states have been marred by violence in the past.

The electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission fixed the governorship elections in the three states for Saturday, November 11, 2023.

Speaking at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja during the first visit by Minister of Defence Alhaji Abubakar Badaru, State Minister of Defence Bello Matawalle the CDS emphasised that the military would do all it took to guarantee that there would be no violence during the elections in the three states.

He said, “We are also prepared for the coming elections in the three states of Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa states. I want to ensure that the elections go on democratically, without any fear or intimidation.

“We don’t want any violence. I want to appeal to all stakeholders that it does nobody any good if anybody is killed because we have to go and vote. So it is important that we all put hands on deck. We will make sure that the elections are free and they are peaceful so that the results can also bring out what people want. ”

Additionally, Musa stated that the Federal Government has set aside particular funding for the care of injured soldiers throughout the numerous federation-wide theatres of operations.

He went on to say that this was done to raise the spirits of the front-line soldiers.

Musa said, “President, we want to say thank you for the improved funding for the armed forces. We know the situation on the ground that the armed forces are doing the best they can, but we are limited due to the dearth of funding.

“Also, there are special funds for medical. What we realise is the morale of our troops. They see how the injured are treated. If they’re not treated well, they will never want to be committed. But we are happy to see how they are doing and we are happy that more have been promised and more will be done.”

But Musa gave the president confidence that the military would uphold the country’s democracy in spite of the recent surge of military takeovers in West Africa.

He said, “We want to assure President and to you all Sir, that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is fully committed to democracy. We will do whatever it takes to ensure that we protect our nascent democracy and for it to thrive and to also extend same to the sub-region because we know we have the capacity and we are happy.”

He pleaded with the minister to sign the uniform terms and conditions of employment.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, highlighted the potential earnings Nigeria could make by exploring the maritime sector.

“These assertion is premised on the fact that over 70% of the world’s surface is covered by sea.

“The resources available transcends just earning the nation foreign exchange; it is a tested source of prosperity for many other nation,” he added.

In addition, Ogalla assured that the Nigerian Navy was prepared to provide adequate security on the water ways to ensure maritime development efforts.

CDS Musa expresses military’s readiness for Imo, Kogi, Bayelsa Gov elections (Pictures)