2019 Polls: Civil Society Group alleges deployment of 3000 soldiers in Taraba

Okerafor Athanatius, Jalingo

A Civil Society Group, under the auspices of Taraba Volunteer Group (TVG), yesterday alleged that the Federal Government deployed about 3,000 Soldiers in the State for Saturday polls. Group Coordinator in the State, Comrade Joseph Terence who stated this during a Press Conference in Jalingo noted that the aim was to truncate the Presidential and National Assembly elections slated for 23rd February, 2019 in the State. He said, these Soldiers were deployed to the State during the last postponed election. According to him, all the road check-points that were dismantled came back alive with strange looking and unprofessional men in military uniforms taking charge. “They are fake Soldiers but were heavily armed”, “Their brief was to ensure that they pave the way for fake electoral materials to have smooth sail to their destinations”, “We were reliably informed that the same contingent of fake Soldiers are already on their way back at their former duty posts on Taraba State for February, 23, 2019 elections. Terence said the deployment was a follow up on declaration earlier made by APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole that APC would scuttle power from Taraba State from PDP at all cost and in line with PMB directives that soldiers should deal ruthlessly with ballot box snatchers during the forthcoming general elections. While alleging that the chances of achieving free, fair and credible elections on February 23 and March 9, 2019 which the people have yearned for are at great risk, Terence revealed that TVG’s primary duty and responsibility was to promote the welfare of the society and its people. He however, called for free, fair and credible elections in the State, describing it as one of the vital ways of carrying out their assignments.