NOV 11 GUBER POLL: CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF TALKS TOUGH ON SECURITY

 CHINAZO ILECHUKWU

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, says security agencies are taking necessary measures to guarantee peaceful governorship elections in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi States.

Addressing journalists after a meeting with heads of security agencies in Owerri, General Musa explained that the armed forces were aware of security concerns in the affected states, hence efforts are on to contain them.

He hinted that security personnel would be highly visible in the affected states during the election and advised the electorate not to panic but to go out and exercise their franchise.

General Musa, who also visited troops of the Joint Task Force Operation in the south east, codenamed “Operation Udo Ka,” promised to provide additional logistics to troops, adding that plans were underway to enhance the operation.

“We want to appeal to Nigerians, especially the Imolites, that they should have trust in their security forces, they should all come out to vote.

“It is only when you come out and vote that you get credible leaders and when you have credible leaders, then we can have development.

“So encourage them not to get afraid, not to allow anybody to intimidate them, that the security forces are there for them.

“They should not get scared when they see our deployments, it is a friendly deployment but it is going to be strong enough to deter any threat against anybody,” Gen. Musa said.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Imo State, Professor Sylvia Agu, told journalists after the security meeting that with the assurances of the Chief of Defence, Staff General Musa, the commission was poised to deliver free, fair and credible election in the state.

She said INEC would now conduct election across the 27 local government areas of the state, including the high risk Orsu Local Government Area.

 EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU