In order to maintain voter’s security and safety, the Nigerian Army has begun mobilising its troops in preparation for the November 11 gubernatorial and state house of assembly elections in Bayelsa.
Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigeria Army, Port Harcourt disclosed this in a statement issued by the division’s Spokesman, Maj. Danjuma Danjuma in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
Abdussalaam reportedly made the announcement while addressing troops and members of other security agencies participating in a special military exercise tagged “Exercise Safe Conduct 2023.”
According to Abdussalaam, the mobilization of troops is aimed at restoring the electorates confidence in electoral process, while also ensuring a violent-free electoral exercise in Bayelsa.
“We are doing this to ensure the good people of Bayelsa state come out in their numbers to vote for candidates of their choice without any fear of intimidation.
“This is one of the ways the Nigeria Army will support democracy to thrive in Nigeria.
“We must ensure that everywhere is safe and people see sufficiently that we are fully on the ground to boost public confidence in the electoral process,” he said.
He also assured the public of the army’s proactive efforts to put an end to all electoral related crimes, as they intend to launch an operation to identify, isolate and deal with political thugs hired to disrupt the smooth conduct of the Nov. 11 elections.
According to him, the army has also identified flash points used by political thugs to deny the electorates access to freely exercise their franchise during elections.
He said, “Those thinking along that line should bury their thoughts because the security forces will go all out to ensure the election is conducted in a peaceful manner.
“Hence, I am pleased with the level of synergy that exist between the Nigeria Army and sister services that culminated in a joint route march and show of force in Yenagoa, and environs.
“The show of force essentially sends a clear message to those who are bent on causing trouble before, during and after the poll, to have a rethink,” he added.
CRUX NEWS reports that in previous elections, Bayelsa State ranks among State’s with high records of electoral violence and snatching of ballot boxes by alleged sponsored political thugs.
The oncoming gubernatorial election would be a close call as it is a race between two strong contenders; Incumbent gov. Douye Diri of the PDP, who is seeking a second term in office and former governor Timipre Sylva of the APC.
