The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor has advised politicians and their supporters to avoid any form of violence that could compromise the electoral process in the upcoming 2023 general elections. Irabor made this known on Thursday while addressing journalists during the bi-weekly news briefing at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
He said, “For anyone who is looking forward to being elected, he must do it within the ambit of the provisions of the law because we will not in any way stand aside and see those who perpetrate violence all because they are looking for political office or appointive offices.
“Nigeria remains a nation that must live in peace, desire to live in peace, and Nigerians deserve to live in peace. And so, we will not allow criminals among those or if you like, thugs that have made themselves available for anyone to use.
“We are working very closely with the police and we stand ready to give them all the support that is necessary because going forward, Nigeria must be peaceful and that is what we are looking forward to.”
He also said the Armed Forces would collaborate with other security agencies to ensure that the coming elections would be peaceful and conducive for Nigerians to carry out their civic duties.
Irabor urged Nigerians to collaborate with authorities to ensure that the forthcoming elections are free, fair, and conflict-free.