The Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin has stated that the military will severely deal with any group that impersonate the military to cause problems during Saturday;s Presidential election.
Gen Olonisakin stated this on Thursday while briefing journalists following a meeting of the Armed Forces and security and intelligence agencies in Abuja.
As the nation prepares for the polls, he warned that the military will not tolerate any act capable of disrupting a peaceful electioneering process.
General Olonisakin said the military was prepared to support the security services to ensure violence-free 2019 general elections, in line with the constitutional responsibilities of the various security bodies.
He also asked Nigerians to disregard the sit-at-home order by some criminal elements in some parts of the country.
“The stay-at-home leaflets being circulated, and similar online messages are part of the handiwork of mischief makers who are bent on scuttling the process and should be ignored.
“I want to assure the general public that the security services are prepared to support the Police to ensure the safe conduct of the elections,” he stated.
According to the Defence Chief, the military will remain apolitical and abide by the code of conduct of the Nigerian Armed Forces in carrying out its duties during the elections.
He, however, warned Nigerians against flouting the order on vehicular movement on Saturday.
“Violators of the restriction on movement, no matter how highly placed, will be arrested and detained,” General Olonisakin cautioned.
He explained that the restriction does not apply to those on election security duties, observers and monitors, as well as emergency and security services personnel on authorised duties.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Mohammed Adamu, had announced the restriction of vehicular movement from 6 am to 6 pm on Saturday, as part of the measures to ensure hitch-free Presidential and National Assembly elections.
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