CDS To Perpetrators Of Election Violence: Steer Clear Of Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi Governorship Polls

By Akeem Oduyoye

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Major General Christopher Musa, has warned those planning to disrupt the November 11 governorship polls in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi to stay off the states or face the consequences

Musa handed down the warning when he spoke with newsmen shortly after the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting in Abuja.

The CDS, who  assured residents of Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states not to entertain any fear, pledged that the Armed Forces would provide full support to the police in ensuring that the states’ election was free and fair.

“The Armed Forces, the police and other security agencies would be on ground. Every Nigerian, we are sure, is tired of elections with violence and this will try to make a difference.

“We want, at the end of the day, every Nigerian should be proud of, first to be a Nigerian and to understand that elections are now free and fair.

“We want everybody who wins our elections to be happy that he won very well without any intimidation,’’ Musa said.

According to Musa, a warning had already been sent to security personnel to be deployed for the elections that whoever misbehaved during the elections would face the consequences.

The army chief explained that the presence of security agencies in the three states should not concern anybody but those with plans to disrupt the polls.