Minister allays fear over military deployment for general elections

The Minister of State for Defence, Rtd. Col. Austin Akobundu, said on Thursday that the deployment of military personnel for the general elections will not interfere with the electoral process.

In a statement released on Thursday in Umuahia, Akobundu said that the military would only complement the police and other security agencies to maintain law and order during the polls.

“I want to assure Nigerians of a violence-free general elections, which will commence with the presidential poll on Saturday, March 28.

‘’Those arguing against the military coming out to maintain security during the elections should be rest assured that their presence will not interfere with the electoral process.

‘’it is the constitutional duty of the military not only to defend the territorial integrity of the country but assist the police, when necessary, to maintain law and order.

‘’Therefore, it will not be out of place if, in an effort to ensure violence-free and peaceful exercise, the military comes out to do their constitutional mandate,’’ the statement quoted the minister.

He said that the military authorities had put the necessary machinery in place to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

He advised Nigerians to come out en masse to exercise their franchise without fear of molestation.

“As we go to the poll to exercise our democratic right, it is pertinent to remind us that we have a date with history on Saturday,’’ the minister stated.