The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has said that the military has the presidential mandate to ensure a free, fair and credible governorship election in Edo State.
Musa stated this on Wednesday in Benin during the various strategic meetings held with stakeholders, including troops of the Nigerian Army, ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
The Chief of Defence Staff said he was in Edo to assure the electorate that the military would be professional and join INEC to ensure an election without violence and intimidation.
In a meeting with senior military officers, the army general said whoever tries to disrupt the poll would bear the consequences.
He warned individuals against carrying arms to intimidate the electorate, saying only the statutory security agencies would be allowed for the election.
“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 other 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,” he said.
Musa warned members of the local security network or vigilantes to stay off the election duties, saying they are not part of the statutory agencies for election.
The Chief of Defence Staff also warned the personnel of the forces deployed for the election never to compromise.
According to him, any personnel that compromises will surely face the music.
At the meeting with the stakeholders, including INEC, police and other security agencies, Lt Gen Musa sought cooperation among the security agencies.