General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, on Tuesday, declared that the military was ready for the off-cycle elections in the states of Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa.
Musa sternly warned that any act of violence will not be tolerated before, during, or after the polls,
According to reports, there have been violent incidents during previous elections in the three states.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fixed the governorship elections in the three states for Saturday, November 11, 2023.
Musa added that the Federal Government has set aside certain money for the treatment of soldiers who have been injured at different theaters of operations across the federation. He further explained that this was done to raise the morale of the frontline soldiers.
Musa said, “President, we want to say thank you for the improved funding for the armed forces. We know the situation on the ground that the armed forces are doing the best they can, but we are limited due to the dearth of funding”
“Also, if there are special funds for medicals. What we realise is the morale of our troops. They see how the injured are treated. If they’re not treated well, they will never want to be committed. But we are happy to see how they are doing and we are happy that more have been promised and more will be done. ”
Musa gave the president the reassurance that the military would safeguard the country’s democracy despite the recent series of military coups in West Africa.
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He said, “We want to assure President and to you all Sir, that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is fully committed to democracy. We will do whatever it takes to ensure that we protect our nascent democracy and for it to thrive and to also extend same to the sub-region because we know we have the capacity and we are happy.”
The minister was then urged to sign the harmonised terms and conditions of service.