Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, on Wednesday, met with Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and assured him that the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with sister security agencies, had the mandate of President Bola Tinubu to ensure a free, fair, credible, and peaceful governorship election in the state on Saturday, September 21.
Musa gave the assurances when he and other top military officers deployed to the state on election duty, met with Obaseki, at the Government House, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
Obaseki begged the CDS to appeal to Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, “because we know what #EndSARS protests caused the people of Edo State in terms of rebuilding the burnt-down police stations”.
Musa stated that the Nigerian Armed Forces were in Edo State to support and make sure the election was peaceful. He called on political actors to ease tension because.
Musa told Obaseki, “I am delighted to be here and my visit here today is to bring peace. Having watched unfolding events on TV and tension within the state, I usually want to come a few days before any election to preach peace.
“As Nigerians, we should learn how to do things properly, as there is no need to raise tension because of the election. It’s not necessary. We have seen how other countries conduct elections peacefully, as people will be working, and doing their normal things while elections are on. I wonder why ours seem to be different.
“I want to assure you that members of the armed forces are here to support you in this election and make sure that it’s peaceful.
“Our mandate from Mr. President is that the Edo governorship election should be peaceful, free, fair and credible. This is what we are here to do. Everybody you see here is here to ensure that it’s done. That is the mandate from Mr. President.
“This is why I am here to see the troops and address them critically for them to understand the importance of free, fair and credible elections in Edo State. We give you the assurance that none of us are going to take sides, as we would ensure that there is peace in Edo State.’
The CDS added, “Nobody is to take sides. Whoever is the person that is popular and the people want, the people should be able to elect such a person, but not the person imposed on them. I can guarantee you. We have done it in other states in the past three elections, we want to do the same here.
“You would have noticed that it went well and we want to do the same here. The days of impunity are over. Election is not war. People should not die because they want to elect a leader.”
Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, in a statement, buttressed the CDS’ assurance during his visit to assess the readiness of members of the armed forces and security agencies for the governorship election on Saturday.
The statement quoted Musa as saying, “I want to assure the good people of Edo State, the armed forces and other security agencies are going to act professionally in the conduct of the election.”
He warned that any person with intentions other than peaceful election should leave the state or bear the consequences of the law.
Musa said the military will not tolerate any individual carrying arms and weapons of any kind during the election, reiterating that Tinubu has given the military the mandate to ensure the most peaceful election in the history of the state.
Musa maintained that the armed forces will ensure that Mr. President’s directive was implemented. He used the opportunity to appeal to Edo people to come out and vote en masse for the candidate of their choice, while guaranteeing their security.
Musa said the Nigeria Police will provide general security while the military will give security back-up for the election.
The defence chief also called on the military to be professional before, during and after the election, even as he reminded the troops of the availability of standby court martial to instantly try erring personnel.
Addressing critical stakeholders earlier, Musa said the entire world was watching, and called on them to create an enabling environment for Edo people to cast their votes freely. He warned that additional security devices had been deployed to watch security agencies involved in the election.
Commending Obaseki for his development strides, the CDS added, “I congratulate you on all your efforts and things you have done for Edo people. I have served in Edo State and the state has been part of me. I thank you for all you are doing and the warm reception.”
Obaseki, who was delighted to receive the Chief of Defence, said the visit was very reassuring to the people of the state.
He said, “I want you to help me thank your men in Edo State. Since the resumption of the GOC, he has been very supportive in terms of security in Edo State. A few weeks ago, we went to commission an army operations base in Ehor, which has stabilised security in the Benin Auchi axis.
“We had approval to build another in Sobe, which has reduced drastically the incidents of kidnapping and banditry around that axis. We are writing to you through the GOC for approval for the third base along the northern border, between Edo and Kogi states, where we are still having incidents.”
The governor said, “The Chief of Air Staff has been kind enough to collaborate with them to set up a FOB towards the Okada axis. This tells you the level of support and cooperation that we have been receiving from your men.
“I am glad you are here today because some of the political actors don’t seem to understand the national security implications of this Edo election. The way some people have conducted themselves, it’s quite unbecoming of people who swore to oath.
“Politicians can behave the way they like, but members of the security agencies should give the public assurances and confidence. We are not asking for any favour, but saying that Edo citizens should be free to go to the polls to express themselves the way they wish, and we will accept the outcome of a properly conducted poll.
“But when you have a situation where citizens are being intimidated by men in uniform, it’s not acceptable.”
Obaseki alleged, “Last night, I was woken up at 3am that some policemen in Edo Central were trying to arrest people. I got a call again this morning about a Sienna Bus with a mandate to come and arrest people.
“We have people arrested and taken away from Edo to Abuja, instead of trying those they claimed to have committed a crime in Edo. The people arrested and taken to Abuja have been detained for more than two weeks on the instructions of the Inspector General of Police.
“When we confronted the IGP in Edo, during the Peace Accord signing, he said they were arrested for murder. But when they were finally charged to court, the charge read possession of firearms.
“As I speak, we have our people arrested and being detained in Suleja, Niger State, because they don’t want them to participate in the election on Saturday. When you create situations like this, it results in a lack of trust and confidence.
“When an opposition candidate is campaigning with a police helicopter in the state, then I don’t think it’s fair as they are not creating a level playing field for all candidates.”
The governor pleaded with the defence chief, “Sir, if it’s possible to appeal to the IGP, because we know what ENDSARS protests caused the people of Edo State in terms of rebuilding the burnt-down police stations.
“We received a lot of information and when we pass it across to the relevant authorities they fail to act. We have intelligence reports of arms movement and thugs being housed in hotels but nothing is being done.
“We don’t want an election that will lead to loss of lives because it’s not necessary. Once citizens feel they are not being treated fairly by the instrument of state, you will see the kind of tension and violence that can occur in an election.
“Your presence here today is reassuring. There can’t be a better assurance as you understand the national security implications of this election.”