Chief of Defence Staff orders military to ensure peaceful elections

General Lucky Irabor, Chief of Defence Staff, stated prior to the elections that the hope of Nigerians and nations around the world is in security agents in the country for the successful conduct of the elections.

The governorship and House of Assembly elections are scheduled for March 11, while the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for February 25.

There are worries that the unrest that is plaguing a lot of the country may pose a threat to the upcoming elections.

Irabor urged the security personnel to do everything in their power to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for the elections when he spoke on Saturday in Abuja at the 2023 International Military Sports Council Day Run, which is an annual event to commemorate the end of World War II.

“Today, our brave men and women of the armed forces and other security agencies can tell the world with pride of their daily successes in countering insurgency and other security challenges that have in recent times bedeviled the nation’s security landscape,” Irabor, who was represented by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Jackson Yusuf, stated. However, I strongly encourage you to maintain the current momentum.

“Also, you all know that elections are coming, and the world is counting on us, as members of the armed forces and security agencies, to play our part in ensuring that the elections take place peacefully. I urge us to fulfill our constitutional obligations.

In the meantime, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, the Chief of Naval Staff, has told his men to do their jobs without violating human rights. He also cautioned them against breaking the law in any situation, stating that doing so could bring the service into disrepute.

Gambo stated that their duty to the nation was meaningless if they did not have a harmonious relationship with the people on Saturday during the 2023 First Quarter Route March of the service.

“I urge you to continue to be law-abiding citizens and maintain a cordial and improved relationship with our civilian populace and relevant stakeholders,” he stated.

“In a similar vein, I wish to remind you all that the political activities in the country in preparation for the upcoming general election have reached their zenith; consequently, I urge you to maintain neutrality and be apolitical,” the aforementioned statement reads.