Off-Cycle Elections: Military, DSS Warn Politicians, Trouble Makers

BY EDMOND ODOK – With less than 24 hours to the off-cycle elections slated for the three states of Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi, the Military High Command has warned that political thugs and criminal elements planning to wear military uniforms and disrupt polls in some areas will face “injurious consequences” for their actions.

Accordingly, the Military said massive mobilisation of troops has been undertaken for the exercise, urging such persons to shelve the evil plots because such wicked plans will have serious repercussions.

Addressing the press in Abuja on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operation, Maj. Gen. Buba Edward said the Military would not fold its arms and watch its image dragged in the mud, adding; “For the off-season elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states this weekend, here is a message for you. The military is deployed in strength for the election to create a safe environment for voters to peacefully come out and cast their votes.

“Election is a serious business and the military is giving it the seriousness that it deserves. So much has been put in place. Troops and platforms are being moved to those locations to reinforce security that is in place in the states. We are aware of the plans.

“However, we are aware of plans of some to disguise in military gear to orchestrate havoc and disrupt elections in some areas. Our message to such a group is that there will be injurious consequences for such an action. The military will not fold its arms and watch its image dragged into the mud.”

The Defence Spokesman, who said journalists covering elections in the three states would be briefed on how to identify such people and other safety measures, further stated thus; “Journalists in those locations on how to identify fake soldiers should that arise and other security measures to adopt. For security reasons, I can’t disclose it here. “

DSS Speaks On Inflammatory Comments

In a related development, the Department of State Services (DSS) has warned politicians and stakeholders against comments intended to cause disharmony in the country.

A statement by its Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Peter Afunanya, urged supporters and politicians to shun acts that could undermine the peaceful conduct of the election, saying; “The Service urges key players and their supporters in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa States to conform to the rules of engagement and specifically the electoral law during the 11th November 2023 gubernatorial elections in the areas.”

According to Afunanya; ‘’The aim is to avert situations likely to undermine the processes. So far, the Service has substantially liaised with INEC, sister security agencies, and relevant NGOs to ensure hitch-free exercises in the affected States.’’

The nation’s Secret Police while urging the media and non-governmental organisations to avoid actions that could cause a breakdown of law and order, vowed that individuals or groups intending to engage in criminal acts during the election would be dealt with.

New Imo Police Commissioner Resumes

Also ahead of Saturday’s election, Danjuma Aboki has resumed as the new Police Commissioner in Imo State following the redeployment of the former Commissioner, the controversial Mohammed Barde, to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

This is as the Imo Police Command Spokesperson, ASP Henry Okoye disclosed that 15 Commissioners, 29 Deputy Commissioners of Police, and 40 Assistant Commissioners of Police were posted to the state for the election.