Guber Poll: Election Should Not Be War, CDS Cautions Troublemakers in Edo
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, yesterday warned potential troublemakers in Edo State to desist from violent acts, emphasizing that the forthcoming governorship election should not be treated as warfare.
General Musa gave the warning when he met with Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, at the Government House in Benin City, the state capital.
The meeting was part of the CDS’s visit to the state to assess security preparations ahead of the September 21 poll.
A statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, said General Musa assured Governor Obaseki that the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with sister security agencies, had received President Bola Tinubu’s mandate to ensure a free, fair, credible, and peaceful election in the state.
The CDS’s visit and warning come as tensions rise ahead of the crucial governorship election, with concerns about potential violence and disruptions.
He said, “The CDS has today, September 19, 2024, visited Edo State to assess the readiness of members of the Armed Forces and security agencies for the governorship election on Saturday.
Speaking during his visit to Governor Godwin Obaseki, the CDS said he is in the state to assess the operational readiness of the troops and other security agencies.
He assured the governor of enabling the environment for Edo people to come out and vote for their candidate of choice.“
Musa also promised that the troops deployed for the election would be professional in their conduct.
He said, “The CDS has today, September 19, 2024, visited Edo State to assess the readiness of members of the Armed Forces and security agencies for the governorship election on Saturday.
Speaking further, the CDS said: “He is in the state to assess the operational readiness of the troops and other security agencies. He assured the governor of enabling the environment for Edo people to come out and vote for their candidate of choice.“
Musa also promised that the troops deployed for the election would be professional in their conduct.
Responding, the Executive governor of the state, 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 have been amazingly supportive in terms of providing security for the state.
He also said the Edo state election is strategically important to our national security.
By PRNigeria
