Our role in governorship, Assembly elections – DHQ
Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has explained their role in Saturday’s governorship election across states in Nigeria.
Defence spokesman Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu explained that the armed forces would support the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in ensuring that Nigerians are able to perform their civic obligations in a peaceful and secure environment today.
Defence spokesman, Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu stated at a news conference in Abuja
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Nwachukwu explained that this role is enshrined in Section 217 of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria, as amended, stipulating that the armed forces could be deployed to assist the police in maintenance of law and order during elections in 28 states.
He said in carrying out this task, the armed forces were being guided by the Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement (ROE) that had been provided for military personnel deployed to maintain security during elections.
He said, “It is crucial to re-emphasize the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, that while military personnel have the right to perform their civic duty of voting as provided in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, they must approach their polling units in civilian clothing devoid of any military accoutrements.”
