With barely two weeks to go and with increasing uncertainties around the 2023 general election, the Federal Government has again assured that it would leave nothing to chance in ensuring that the exercise is held in a peaceful atmosphere.
Speaking at the Passing-Out ceremony of Batch-33 at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School in Onne, Rivers State, the Minister of Defence, Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi (rtd), disclosed that the Federal Government has plans afoot to secure every nook and cranny of the country, and thwart hoodlums’ attempts to disrupt the election.
The assurance came as the United Nations (UN) called on political parties to shun violence while stressing the need to mainstream the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their manifestoes.
At the Passing Out Ceremony, Magashi warned military personnel to be professional and avoid acts that would bring the armed forces to disrepute while on election duty.
Magashi, who was represented by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao, noted that although the military is not the lead organisation in the poll, it will ensure that every activity during the election is carried out in order. He assured of plans to secure every state and ensure that hoodlums will not disrupt the election.
The Defence Minister also charged the 1, 562 trainee ratings to integrate appropriately in developing competency and capabilities towards maximising their potential.
He commended the trainees, saying that they were joining the service at a time that the country requires such traits, particularly in members of the Armed Forces to effectively combat present security challenges across the country.
At a recent roundtable with representatives of 10 registered political parties set to participate in the forthcoming presidential and other elections, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Matthias Schmale, called on political parties to work towards credible, transparent, and peaceful elections in the country.
The UN Chief encouraged all actors to calm tensions and avoid violence before, during, and after the election, noting that the United Nations will continue to engage proactively with the government and other critical stakeholders at both national and State levels.
