Yenagoa, Bayelsa – The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has reaffirmed the military’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s democracy and ensuring peaceful and credible governorship elections in the states of Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo. In an interactive session held in Yenagoa on Tuesday, the CDS assured a diverse group of security agencies and stakeholders that these off-cycle governorship elections would be conducted in accordance with the directives of President Bola Tinubu.
Gen. Musa, who was in Bayelsa to assess the prevailing security situation and ensure adequate measures are in place ahead of the November 11 election, issued a stern warning to those contemplating violence during the electoral process. He called upon security agencies to protect the integrity of the elections and resist any attempts to compromise their fairness.
The CDS also conveyed President Tinubu’s directive to intensify security operations against sea piracy, illegal bunkering, and pipeline vandalism. These efforts aim to boost oil production output, subsequently bolstering the national economy.
“I have come with a very powerful team. We want to ensure that the state is fully secure and well protected so that Bayelsa will continue to develop. As Bayelsa develops, I am sure the rest of the South-South will develop, and Nigeria too,” stated Gen. Musa.
The CDS emphasized the government’s commitment to conducting a credible and peaceful election, reiterating that it is a “marching order” for all stakeholders. Security agencies have been urged to act decisively against any individuals or groups planning to disrupt the electoral process.
Gen. Musa declared, “The era where people will use violence to intimidate voters and snatch ballot boxes is gone. We want to warn those who think it is their birthright to perpetrate violence during elections that henceforth it is not going to be business as usual.”
Furthermore, the CDS cautioned security agents against any attempts to compromise the integrity of the polls, emphasizing that any member of the armed forces caught compromising the election would face a court-martial.
Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira, the Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), expressed his commitment to ensuring a peaceful governorship election in the state. The collaborative efforts of security agencies and stakeholders are geared toward upholding the democratic process and safeguarding the peace and security of the nation.
The interactive session with the Chief of Defence Staff signals a pivotal moment in the preparations for the upcoming governorship elections, as efforts intensify to ensure a peaceful, credible, and transparent electoral process in Bayelsa and across the mentioned states.
