By Daniels Nwokike, The Sight News
ABUJA—The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Gabriel Abayomi Olonisakin, has reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to a violence free election.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, General Olonisakin, stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria as well as other security and intelligence agencies are committed to a violence free elections, urging Nigerians eligible to vote to carry out their civic responsibility without fear of molestation by any person or group.
Rising from a meeting involving the Armed Forces of Nigeria and heads of security and intelligence agencies, Olonisakin revealed, that the various security agencies, in the last few months, have been reviewing their strategies to ensure adequate security and protection for all Nigerians and other nationals living in Nigeria before, during and after the General Elections.
He said, that there have also been several inter-agency collaborations and harmonization of strategies to provide adequate security for the smooth conduct of the general elections.
Speaking on illegal possession of weapons and military/paramilitary uniforms by some thugs, the CDS said, “We are not unaware of plans to illegally use uniforms of military/paramilitary agencies to impersonate security and law enforcement agencies; illegal possession and use of firearms to intimidate and harass members of the public; and other acts likely to cause security breaches.
“Let me warn, that the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies will not tolerate any act that is likely to cause security breaches before, during and after the elections, and will deal decisively with these acts irrespective of those involved”.
Olonisakin, also called on the members of the public to disregard the call to stay at home on the day of the election being circulated in some parts of the country, describing the stay-at-home leaflets as part of the handiwork of mischief makers who are bent on scuttling the process.
While clearing the air on the conduct of security personnel on election day, the CDS stated, “It is important to reiterate that law enforcement agencies will remain apolitical. Besides, Code of Conduct for the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the 2019 General Elections have been issued to the Services and security personnel that will be deployed for election security duties.
“All other personnel who are not so deployed for election security duties have been directed to steer clear of the elections apart from exercising their rights to vote for candidates of their choice.
“I would also like to appeal to all Nigerians to adhere strictly to the restrictions on movement during the period of the elections. Violators of the restriction on movement, no matter how highly placed, will be arrested and detained.
“However, this restriction does not apply to those on election security duties, local and international observers/monitors and emergency and security services personnel on authorized duties only”, he stressed.
General Olonisakin assured all peace-loving Nigerians of the preparedness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies to support a peaceful 2019 general elections while encouraging all to go about their legitimate activities without fear of intimidation.
The CDS was flanked by other security Chiefs which include; Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Inspector General of Police (IGP), Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Director General Nigeria Intelligence Agency (DG NIA), and Director General Department of State Security (DG DSS).
