Officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Military have been credited for the most peaceful election ever conducted in Rivers State since the nation’s democratic journey commenced in 1999.
According to the stakeholders in Rivers state, the 2019 general elections not only witnessed a generally conducive atmosphere due to the security provided by the Nigerian Army, it witnessed the electorates having the freedom to come out and exercise their franchise without molestation and intimidation.
An appreciation letter to the Military, cited by Securityking News, signed by Engr. Biokpomabo Awaria on behalf of the stakeholders, commended the Inter-Agency Election Security Committee and particularly the Officers and Men of the Nigerian Army for providing adequate security to all persons in Rivers State during the recently conducted 2019 General Election.
He said, ‘It is common knowledge that election in Rivers State is usually marred by incidents of massive violence and armed clashes by rival cult gangs, political thugs and militants who ruthlessly hijack and manipulate the elections, resulting in incessant deaths, voter apathy and disenfranchisement of millions of Rivers people.
“As key stakeholders in Rivers State,we have done a comparable analysis of the security situation during the 2007, 2011,2015 General Election as against the 2019 General Election.
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“We are pleased to say that every indices showed that the 2019 General Election was far more peaceful and safer for citizens to exercise their franchise than during the earlier elections.
“We have no doubt that the dominant variable for the peaceful election was the strategic role played officers and soldiers of the military.
Noting that the stakeholders have watched with dismay the orchestrated campaign by some groups aimed at disparaging the military for their commendable efforts which ensured that Rivers State was relatively safe, he said, “It is clear that the intention and principal aim of these persons is to blackmail the military into abdicating its constitutional responsibility and afford them a field day to engage militants and cult gangs for violent hijack and intimidation of Rivers people.
“We appeal to the you (military) to remain focused and professional in the discharge of your duties” he said, adding “It is regrettable that some of your officers and men lost their lives in the line of duty, whilst some others were severely injured”.
“Please accept and extend the heartfelt condolences of Rivers people and indeed all Nigerians to the Nigerian military and all families who lost loved ones. May the souls of the gallant soldiers and all who lost their lives during the elections rest in peace”, he said.
END.
