Military ready for Imo, Kogi, Bayelsa gov polls – CDS

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

Musa warned that any act of violence would not be condoned before, during, and after the elections.

Elections in the three states have been marred by violence in the past.

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 maiden visit of the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, Musa stressed that the military would stop at nothing to ensure the polls in the three states are devoid of violence.

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."

Musa also said the Federal Government has allocated special funds for the treatment of soldiers wounded at the various theatres of operations across the federation.

He added that this was to boost the morale of troops on the frontline.

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. ”

Musa, however, assured the president that despite the wave of military coups in West Africa, the military would protect the nation’s democracy.

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 then urged the minister to sign the harmonised terms and conditions of service.