Ahead of Saturday Governorship election in Kogi State, the Nigerian Army has flagged off Operation Safe Conduct in the state, with a show of force led by General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army Major General Bamidele Alabi.
In a statement expressing readiness and commitment to ensuring a secure environment for the election, the Nigerian Army in a press statement by the 2 Divisions Deputy Director of Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Ekeocha, said the flag-off of the operation signposts preparations in support of other stakeholders in the electoral process.
“It also emphasized the importance of Operation Safe Conduct in preserving the peace and security of the state during the electioneering period as well as ensuring that the people of Kogi State can exercise their rights to vote in a safe and secure environment.
“The GOC urged citizens to cooperate with the security agencies and report any suspicious activities that would undermine the peaceful conduct of the election, in Kogi state on
“The launch of Operation Safe Conduct in Kogi State sends a clear message that the security forces are fully prepared and committed to ensuring a violence-free and fair electoral process.
“With the combined force in place, residents and voters can look forward to exercising their civic duties in an atmosphere of safety and security.
“As the election day draws closer, the joint efforts of the security agencies in Kogi State with the full support of the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja will play a pivotal role in upholding the democratic values of the nation and preserving the peace in the state. Citizens are therefore enjoined to come out en masse to exercise their rights and be assured that the Security Agencies will deal ruthlessly with anybody who wants to foment trouble or disrupt the electoral process.
The statement warned perpetrators of electoral violence to steer clear of polling units in their own interests.
“Equally, bandits, ballot box snatchers, and criminal elements who would want to disguise themselves as security agents are also warned to desist from such nefarious acts in their own interest as measures are in place to swiftly apprehend and deal decisively with them.”
KogiDecides
