Election: Army warns politicians against electoral violence in A’Ibom

Isaac Job, Uyo

As preparation for next Saturday Presidential election in Akwa Ibom continues, the Commander 2 Brigade Nigerian Army Brig. – Gen. Nasiru Jega has warned politicians and their supporters across its area of operations to stay clear of violence during the Presidential and National Assembly elections. In a statement issued by the brigade and signed by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations Officer, Maj. Bashir Jajira and made available to correspondents in Uyo Thursday, the Brigade said it would do its best to ensure that the election would be conducted in peaceful manner. “As Nigerians go to the polls for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections on Saturday February 23, 2019, it is imperative to ensure that the exercise is carried out in the most peaceful manner in Akwa Ibom state.” “Therefore, to ensure that the citizens in the state fully exercise their franchise in an atmosphere devoid of molestation, harassment or intimidation, Headquarters 2 Brigade Nigerian Army in conjunction with sister security agencies is resolved to provide a secure and peaceful environment for the conduct of 2019 general elections. “Headquarters 2 Brigade therefore, implored all law abiding citizens to desist from any act capable of breaching peace before, during or after the general elections. “And urged all eligible voters to go to their polling units and cast their votes without fear of intimidation. “The Command also vows to decisively dealt with culprits of political thuggery in the areas of ballot box snatching, arson and other electoral offences in the state in accordance with the law,” the statement said. According to the statement, the Headquarters 2 Brigade Nigerian Army Situation Room contact phone numbers for the 2019 general election are as follows, 0814 973 1114, 0806 221 2419 and 0703 203 2944. The statement added that the general public are requested to send text or Whatapps messages, videos, pictures and audio on election violence as well as other complaints to the above mentioned numbers. The statement commended Akwa Ibom for its cooperation and solicited for continued support in providing timely actionable information to the Brigade.