The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa has asked those who will be out to cause any form of trouble in the November 11 Governship election in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo States to stay clear of the states in their own interest.
He made it clear that the military is committed to protecting the nation’s democracy and ensuring peaceful atmosphere in the governorship election in the three States.
General Musa spoke when the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru and Minister of State, Dr. Bello Matawalle paid a working visit to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja today, October 24.
He advised all stakeholders in the three states to ensure that nobody is killed in the process of casting vote.
According to him, it is important that they all put hands together to sure that the election is hitch-free, peaceful and reflect what the people actually wanted.
The CDS said the military would do whatever it takes to protect democracy and help it to thrive in Nigeria, adding that they were fully ready, prepared and committed to the task.
“We know there have been series of challenges within the sub region where we have a number of coups all over.
“We want to assure Mr. President and to you all, that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is fully committed to democracy.”
General Musa thanked the ministers and President Bola Tinubu for ensuring that the military met its operational requirements in terms of combat enablers, funding and welfare of personnel.
According to him, the government has shown determination, dedication and commitment to ensuring that the armed forces is properly equipped, trained and managed to secure the country’s territorial integrity.
He complained however that the military is limited by dearth of funding to effectively handle some of its activities, especially in the area of accommodation for personnel.
According to him, the military is recruiting almost 20,000 officers and soldiers yearly and said that they need be properly accommodated.
The CDS, therefore, appealed to the ministers to look into it, including foreign training for personnel to enhance their capacity in dealing with counterterrorism and counter insurgencies in the country.
Responding, the Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru, commended the military for the successes so far recorded since the assumption of duty of the current CDS.
He said that they had done well in dealing with criminals across the country.
According to him, more than 117 terrorists, bandits and other criminals were killed by the military within the period, and urged it to sustain the onslaught until the nation is rid of the menace.
”We have seen significant improvement in oil production thanks to the servicemen and I believe that will continue.
”The CDS had promised that they would push and push harder until the country regained its normal production levels.
“We have also seen remarkable progress in the South East and North East where facilities that were shut down years backs are being reopened recently.
“I want to thank your leadership because we have one group that is committed, dedicated and working together.”
The minister also commended the CDS and service chiefs for boosting the morale of troops in operational areas through regular visits and other inspirational programmes.
He pledged that the Federal Government would continue to support the military in meeting its operational requirements in the area of equipment, improved funding, accommodation, training and medical services.
According to him, President Tinubu holds the military in high esteem and believes that the way to solve the security challenges of this country is by supporting the military.
”He has demonstrated fantastically well with what he has done so far, so I will also remind him of all these issues you raised and I am sure he will take it up and will see to the success of this fight.
“We promise Nigerians that within one year they will see tremendous changes and that will happen from what has been seen so far.
“So congratulations and keep it up and you have all our support and the support and assurance of Mr. president in all you do and in all your requirements.”
Source: NAN.
