Army Assures Crisis- Free Elections

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, yesterday pledged that the Nigerian Army would cooperate with civil authorities to ensure crisis free elections in April.

Ihejirika made the pledge when he paid a courtesy visit to Ebonyi state Governor, Chief Martin Elechi in Abakaliki.

The army chief, along with high-ranking military officers, was on a familiarisation tour to assess the operational readiness of the units and the soldiers under the 82 Division, Nigerian Army, in the South-East.

The chief of army staff said that the military was committed to peaceful elections in the country.

According to him, the Nigerian Army would not relent in performing its constitutional responsibilities.

Ihejirika promised to work with relevant agencies to guarantee internal security in the country at all times.

He expressed satisfaction that the intervention of the Army had led to drastic reduction in kidnapping and other criminal activities in the South-East.

Responding, Elechi said his government would continue to place high premium on the security of lives and property of people.

He commended the Army for the cordial relationship existing between it and the state.

Highpoint of the visit was the donation of a 24-seater coaster bus to the Military Cantonment, Nkwegu in Ebonyi State, to assist the personnel in their operations.