Fatshimetrie: Security Forces Move Into Safeguard Elections In Benin City
As part of the preparations for the governorship elections scheduled for this Saturday in Benin City, a massive deployment of security forces has been observed in the state capital to prevent any disturbance of public order. Plainclothes police officers of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Special Investigation Bureau (SIB) and other plainclothes officers have been deployed to various strategic locations in the city.
While the general appearance of the city may appear peaceful, the discreet presence of these plainclothes officers in places such as bars and dark corners is evidence of the heightened vigilance to ensure the safety of citizens and the smooth conduct of the electoral process. A member of the State Command Department told Fatshimetrie that these security forces are on a mission to ensure a free, fair and credible electoral exercise.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, visited troops deployed in the state and urged them to maintain their neutrality and ensure a free and fair electoral process. Speaking at the 4 Brigade Headquarters of the Nigerian Army, General Musa stressed the importance of collaboration among all security forces involved in maintaining order during the election.
General Musa stressed the need to uphold the neutrality and integrity of the armed forces, stressing that only statutory security agencies are allowed to carry arms and operate on election day. He also warned against any attempt to intimidate or disrupt the electoral process, stressing that the credibility of the election depends on the free participation of all voters without threats or violence.
In conclusion, General Musa stressed the importance of security and stability during the elections in Benin City, calling on the troops to exercise professionalism and restraint to ensure a peaceful and transparent electoral process. This intervention by the security forces is aimed at ensuring smooth elections, in line with democracy and the rights of the citizens of the state.