The United Nation and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have urged the Nigerian Military to support free and fair election come 2019, while commending the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) for doing remarkably well in the 2015 polls.
This happened Monday when the representative of the United Nation Secretary General Office to West Africa and Sahel Mohammed Ibn Chambas and ECOWAS President, Jean Claude Brou paid a visit to the Defence Headquarters. They commended the Defence Headquarters for the privilege given to them on this special visit and for their role in fighting terrorism as well as securing the country and Africa.
The ECOWAS President further stated that it is their tradition to come before, during and after polls. They pledged their continuous close relationship with Nigeria, while adding that Nigeria has been an arrow head in multi-national joint task force in wiping out terrorist in the Lake Chad Basin. He urged the AFN to complement the Nigerian police in order to have a peaceful election process and for making sure the conflict affected areas are able to vote peacefully.
Responding to this, the Chief Of Defence Staff (CDS), General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, pledged that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will remain apolitical, help in maintaining a safe and secure environment for a free and fair election come 2019, and also expressed the commitment of AFN to supporting INEC in reaching difficult terrains especially in riverine areas.
Represented by the CDS, The Chief of Defence Policy and Plans Air Vice Marshal E.O Anebi promise that the Nigerian Armed Forces will provide support on land, air and water to ensure resoluteness in the fight against terrorism and any form of insecurity. He commends the UN and ECOWAS for their continuous effort in assisting the military and assured them of continuous cooperation.
