Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff (CDS), says operatives of the local security networks and vigilantes should steer clear of election duties during the Edo governorship poll on Saturday.
Musa spoke in Benin, the capital of Edo, during a meeting with stakeholders and military officers ahead of the election.
He warned individuals against carrying arms to intimidate the electorate, noting that only the statutory security agencies would be allowed for the election.
The CDS warned that anyone who disrupts the poll would bear the consequences, adding that the military has the presidential mandate to ensure a free, fair, and credible election in Edo.
“What I bring from Abuja is peace and assurance that we will act professionally during the election. Election must be free, fair, and credible; for this implies that any other person with any intention other than a peaceful election probably will face the consequences.
“I also want to reiterate, though the IGP has said it, that the armed forces will not accept any other individual carrying arms. Members of the local security network or vigilantes should stay off the election duties,” he said.
The CDS said the personnel of the forces deployed for the election should not compromise their professionalism.
“We must provide an enabling environment for them to cast their votes. What we have to do is support the INEC because it is the one conducting the election.
‘The police are the leading agency when it comes to security. So everything we do on security is to support the police to ensure it is free and fair. We have taken part in elections over and over. So this is not going to be a new thing.
“We want this election to be the most peaceful. That is the mandate from Mr. President. Mr. President does not have any favourite. His favourite is whoever the people of Edo vote for, and that’s what we must ensure that happens,” he said.
