By Thompson Yamput
The Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), Gen Christopher Musa, has called for synergy among the Security Agencies for a peaceful and violence free Governorship Election in Kogi.
General Musa made the call on Thursday when held a stakeholders meeting with Heads of Security Agencies at the Headquarters of the 12 Brigade Nigeria Army Lokoja.
He noted that there were lots of negative issues during previous elections in Kogi, which include; violence, ballot box snatchings among other vices.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu, has directed that he does not want any form of violence or other vices to happen during any election again.
“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.
“I wish to assure Kogi residents of adequate security before, during and after the poll as the Armed Forces will be fully on ground towards ensuring a peaceful, violence free and credible governorship election in Kogi, ” he said.
Gen Musa described Kogi as very strategic and important to the country, which explains why President Tinubu was very particular about a peaceful election in the state.
The CDS reaffirmed the army’s maximum security to enable people to exercise their civic responsibilities peacefully and unmolested.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that stakeholders present at the meeting 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 are the Nigerian Immigration Services (NIS), Nigerian Correctional Services, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), among others.
The CDS had earlier 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.
He cautioned the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army against involvement in illegal activities during the election.
“I don’t expect any of you to get involve or compromise his duties with money or anything from the politicians.
“Be sure that whoever is caught in such act will be dismissed and sent to jail.
“President Tinubu has done everything possible to take care of Armed forces and it’s now the time for officers to diligently do their work, ” he said.
The CDS, however, advised the officers and soldiers to maintain Human Rights in the discharge of their duties, but should 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. NAN
