Military has kept promise of providing peaceful atmosphere for 2023 polls – Group

A non-partisan civil society organisation, the Socio-Economic Analysis Group (SEAG), has said ongoing military operations across the country has provided a peaceful atmosphere for the conduct of 2023 general elections.

It said all fears associated with the conduct of 2023 general elections have been eliminated as promised by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. LEO Irabor.

The group said its independent findings showed that the military has significantly reduced the capacity of bandits, insurgents and other criminals to undermine the conduct of the general elections.

A press release signed by the Convener, Olatunde Morayo and Co-coveners, Hajara Abubakar and Obidi Ifuko, said it embarked on the study after a promise by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. LEO Irabor that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will work with the other security agencies to ensure peaceful conduct of the general elections.

The group said it also discovered that the Armed Forces of Nigeria has continued to deepen its loyalty to the constitution of the country, while conducting in-house education for its personnel on the benefits of total respect and support for the democratic process.

SEAG said all that is now left is for Nigerians to cooperate fully with the Armed Forces of Nigeria to ensure a peaceful transition process.

The press release said, “Socio-Economic Analysis Group (SEAG) study of the situation was prompted by the promise made by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. LEO Irabor that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will fully support the democratic process to a logical conclusion.

“Though some skeptics wanted to raise dust where there is none, our study reveal that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is fully prepared for the elections.

“A critical study of the security situation reveal that we are winning the war in all the troubled spots. Using kinetic and non-kinetic approach, normalcy is gradually returning.

“Though there are still traces of the security challenges, but we say the capacity of the military to deal with them is not in doubt.

“We must give kudos to the Chief of Defence Staff for constantly reminding Nigerians that the AFN has fully keyed into the democratic process. It is indeed a morale booster and an assurance.

“SEAG urge Nigerians to support and cooperate the AFN and other security agencies to ensure a peaceful general election.”