Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Military has warned that political violence and thuggery would not be tolerated during the 2023 general election.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Leo Irabor, gave the warning when he made an appearance at the bi-weekly media briefing with Defence Correspondents on Thursday in Abuja.
The CDS warned politicians and supporters of political parties to desist from using thugs to instigate violence during campaigns and 2023 general elections, saying, Going Forward, Nigeria must Be Peaceful.
General Irabor said Nigeria military will not allow Desperate politicians to launch violence during electioneering campaigns and elections .
“Going Forward, Nigeria must Be Peaceful. For anyone looking forward to be elected must do it within the ambient of the provisions of the law.
According to General Irabor, military would not “fold its arms and watch the country get thrown into chaos by politicians who are desperate to win.
“Security agencies have been directed to ensure adequate security of lives and property during and even before the general elections in line with the policy direction of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
“Because we will not stand aside and see those who will perpetrate violence all because they are looking for political office appointive office. Nigeria remain a nation that must live in peace, desire to live in peace and Nigeria deserve to live in peace.
He pointed out that the military will not allow criminals amongst those thugs that made themselves available for anyone. We will not allow it. Military is working very closely with the police and we are ready to be supportive.
“Nigeria belongs to us. We are going to a season that everyone desiring to have a peaceful election. Peaceful electioneering campaigns and then entering to the elections. Please don’t think it’s the responsibility of government, it is the responsibility of all Nigerians to ensure we have a peaceful election erring period in order to have a country we would be proud of.
“If we don’t have a country, then there will be no appointive positions to aspire for. The most important thing regarding the forth coming elections is that we must be men and women to conduct ourselves peaceful,” he said.
The Chief of Defence also warned that there will be arrest and prosecution of anyone caught in the possession of any type of weapons during the elections or campaigns.
