Warns political thugs to steer of clear Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi elections
The Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has assured that the Arm Forces of Nigeria would resist a coup from happening in the country as has been the case with neighbouring countries, stressing that the military was committed to entrenching democracy.
The CDS made the disclosure in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State yesterday, during a visit to the 6 Division, Nigeria Army, Port Harcourt, where he was received by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) the Division, Major-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam.
Musa, while assuring that the Nigerian military would tackle the menace of oil theft in the Niger-Delta region with the deployment of technology, warned political thugs to steer clear the forthcoming off-season elections in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi States, saying the military would ensure a free, fair and credible electoral process.
During the visit, the CDS commissioned the 47 Engineering Brigade Counter Improvised Explosives Device Squadron, engaged in the tree planting project to enhance the biodiversity of the barrack, and also commissioned the 29 Battalion Magazine bank, and other projects.
Addressing newsmen, he said the visit was to interact with men and officers of armed forces in the State, to commend them for a job well done and to encourage them to do more.
The CDS urged Nigerians not to be apprehensive about the trend of coup detat happening in neighbouring countries, adding that the armed force of Nigeria would protect the nations democracy.
Musa noted that despite the many challenges facing the country, Nigerians would be protected by the military. He said, I want Nigeria to be assured that the armed forces of Nigeria is here for them, to protect them and to protect democracy and ensure that democracy thrives.
They should have no fear. We have had a number of coups in countries around Nigeria; we have Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. I know that there is a lot of apprehension. I want to assure everyone that the Arm Forces of Nigeria is dedicated and committed in ensuring and securing and supporting and standing by democracy.
We stand by democracy. You saw that the ECOWAS President was very decisive on the decision taken against the coup plotters; and we want to assure Nigerians that nothing like a coup is going to take place in Nigeria. All members of the Armed Forces are pleased with democracy and we will continue to defend democracy.
In fighting oil theft in the country, the General disclosed that President Tinubu has approved funds to enable the armed forces acquire more equipment to aid their operations against criminality, while urging those involved to stop forth with.
On tackling electoral violence, the CDS said the military would not allow any record of violence at the forthcoming polls, warning that anyone caught attempting to foment trouble in any of the States would be dealt with.
