The Nigerian navy has vowed to remain neutral and non-partisan during the general elections scheduled for the 28th of March and 11th April this year.
However, the security agency said it would provide security in ensuring a peaceful conduct of the election exercise in the coastal areas and ensure a hitch-free process.
To this end, the navy has already commenced patrols along the riverside communities of Delta state and environs in preparation for the polls.
Commander, NNS Delta, Warri Naval Base, Navy Commodore Musa Gemu, who is personally leading the patrol, told newsmen that his team would be politically neutral during the exercise.
Gemu also noted that the navy has commenced a public enlightenment campaign on the essence of the conduct of peaceful elections and the inherent dangers in election malpractices.
“I have been given a mandate to flush out all forms of illegalities which tend to derail the national economy and I have been working consistently to actualize that laudable objective. Beside I have also been given a position of trust and I have to be above board.
“We have also been mandated to nip in the bud any attempt by hoodlums to cause confusion before, during and after the elections which are scheduled for later this month and next month,’’ Gemu maintained.
He added that the enlightenment campaign was part of the strategies put in place to check any incidence of ballot box snatching which had been prevalent in the riverine communities.
At the Benin River (Escravos) in Warri North Local Government area of the state and Ekeremor in Forcadors, Bayelsa, the NNS boss told residents that the communities who choose to be peaceful, have nothing to fear.
He however vowed not to condone any act capable of derailing the election in the coastal areas where figures and outcomes of elections are usually contested.
He added that he was ready to actualize the aspiration of the Chief of Naval staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Usman Jubrin, who directed that there should be zero tolerance for illegal bunkering and other unwholesome activities in Nigeria’s territorial waters.
Via: http://nigeriantimes.ng
