Chief of defense staff warns politicians against violence during election

The Nigerian military through the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Lucky Irabor has warned that politicians should not cause violence before, during and after the 2023 general elections as any political thug caught during electioneering would be seriously dealt with.

He said, “We are going towards a season that everyone has been desiring, which is to have a peaceful electioneering and elections.

“Please, do not think that is just the responsibility of the government; the responsibility is for everyone to ensure that we have a peaceful electioneering so that every one of us will have a country that we will be proud of.

“If we don’t have a country, there will be no appointive positions to aspire for. So, the most important thing regarding this forthcoming election is that we must conduct ourselves peacefully.”

Irabor further said, “Anyone looking forward to being elected must do it within the ambit of the provisions of the law. We will not in any way, stand aside and see those who perpetrate violence all because they are looking for political and appointive offices.

“Nigeria remains a nation that must be peaceful, and Nigerians deserve to live in peace. And so, we will not allow criminals to have their way.

“We’re working very closely with the police, and we’re ready to give them all the support that is necessary because, going forward, Nigeria must be peaceful.”

Speaking on the connivance of military personnel with terrorists and other criminal elements, Irabor said those arrested are being tried by court martial. He said, “Personnel of the three Armed Forces caught conniving with the kidnappers, bandits, terrorists and other criminals are facing various court martial in different formations.

“They would be made to face wrath of law for being internal saboteurs with the military.”