GUBER POLLS: Army begins ‘show of force’ in Akwa Ibom

Amid accusations that the APC led government militarized the electoral process in certain regions and suppressed opposition vote during the presidential polls, the 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Uyo in Akwa Ibom has embarked on a joint show of force parade ahead of the upcoming governorship polls.

Bashir Jajira, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations Officer, while addressing newsmen I Uyo, said the exercise was in conjunction with other sister security agencies in the state.

Jajira explained that the command would deal decisively with anyone involved in political thuggery, ballot box snatching, arson and other electoral offences.

He said the troops would move along flash point such as Ukanafun, Etim Ekpo, Oruk Anam, Ikot Ekpene, Ikot Abasi, Oron, Eastern Obolo, Ibiono Ibom/Itu and Uyo.

Furthermore, he said the exercise was aimed at instilling confidence in the electorate to come out en masse and vote for candidates of their choice during the Governorship and House of Assembly elections on March 9.

“The Joint Show of Force Parade is aimed at sending a positive message to the good people of Akwa Ibom State.

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“That 2 Brigade Nigerian Army in conjunction with sister security agencies in the state has put an adequate arrangement to provide a secure and conducive environment for the electorate to exercise their franchise without fear of intimidation.

“Also to send a signal to political thugs and suspected political offenders that 2 Brigade Nigerian Army is ready to deal decisively with any form of political thuggery in the state before, during and after the general elections in accordance with the law,” Jajira said.

Meanwhile, the PDP while reacting to the activities of security operatives in the South-South ahead of the governorship polls, described it as an illegal occupation and provocative besiegement of states in the South South geopolitical zone.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the parade was made up of troops from the 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Security and Nigeria Civil Defence and Security Corps.

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