Olu Samuel, Lokoja
The visiting Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Mustapha has assured the people of Kogi state of adequate Security before, during and after the November 11 Governoship election.
The Chief of Defence Staff was speaking on Thursday during his visit to the state Go”vernor, Alhaji Yayaha Bello in Lokoja.
“The Armed Forces would be fully on ground towards ensuring a peaceful, violence free and credible election in Kogi State.
He described the state as of very strategic and importance to the country, saying this was the reason the President was very particular about a peaceful election in the state and assured of maximum security to enable people exercise their civic responsibilities.
“The Armed Forces are here for the people of the State. I urge the people to turn out en masse to vote. The Armed Forces are concerned about ensuring a free and fair election for citizens to enjoy democracy. I therefore want to encourage eligible voters to come out and vote,” he said.
The Chief of Defence Staff, however, warned that men of the Armed Forces who display unprofessional Conduct will be punished, while calling on members of the public to report any case of misconduct to the Military.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (retd), said security concerns and safety had remained paramount under the administration of Governor Yahaya Bello.
“The state has enjoyed a good working relationship with security agencies. We must praise them for doing well. We will continue to give them the needed support to enable them serve the State and people better,” he said.
Meanwhile,the governor has again assured supporters that the All Progressives Congress will win the November Governorship election with a wide margin on the back of the unprecedented achievements of the Party under his administration.
He said this just as he reiterated the state government’s commitment to cooperate with the Armed Forces in ensuring a peaceful election and level playing field for all contenders.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Chief Edward Onoja, stressed that he would work within the directives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in achieving a violence-free election, noting that his administration had made security topmost priority since assumption of office.
“Having done well in all sectors of the economy of the State, particularly in security, we’re very optimistic that it will encourage our people to turn out en masse and exercise their civic duty.
“Our outstanding achievements, which are visible, will speak and work for us, with the greatest of assurances that we will win overwhelmingly. We will cooperate with the Armed Forces in ensuring a peaceful election and also provide a level playing field for all contenders and for the people to turn out en masse to vote.
“Kogi people are peaceful. We have, since the coming of our administration, made security of lives and properties a priority. We want to assure our President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, of stability, peace before, during and after the Governorship election.
“We also want to applaud the CDS for measures he has put in place for a peaceful election in the State,” the Governor stated.
He commended President Tinubu and the Chief of Defence Staff for the significant reduction in crimes in the North West and South East since the coming of the present administration.