• CDS says state strategic to Nigeria
• ‘APC ‘ll win on strength of govt’s achievements’
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Mustapha, yesterday, said that the armed forces would be fully on ground towards ensuring a peaceful, violence-free and credible election in Kogi State.
Mustapha gave the assurance in Lokoja when he paid a visit to the state governor, Yahaya Bello. He described the state as very strategic and important to the country, saying that this was the reason the President was very particular about a peaceful election in the state and assured of maximum security to enable people to exercise their civic responsibilities.
“The Armed Forces are here for the people of the state. I urge the people to turn out en masse to vote. The armed forces are concerned about ensuring a free and fair election for citizens to enjoy democracy. I, therefore, want to encourage eligible voters to come out and vote,” he said.
The CDS, however, warned that men of the armed forces who display unprofessional conduct would be punished, while calling on members of the public to report any case of misconduct to the military
Meanwhile, the governor, who was represented by his deputy, Edward Onoja, again assured supporters that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would win the governorship election with a wide margin on the strength of the unprecedented achievements of the party under his administration.
He, therefore, reiterated the state government’s commitment to cooperating with the armed forces in ensuring a peaceful election and level-playing field for all contenders.
The governor stressed that he would work within the directives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in achieving a violence-free election, noting that his administration had made security topmost priority since assumption of office.
He commended President Tinubu and the CDS for the significant reduction in crimes in North-West and South-East regions since the coming of the administration.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the state’s Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd), said security concerns and safety had remained paramount under the administration of Bello.
