Defence Chief Charges Military on Peaceful Elections

By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, has called on the armed forces and other security agencies to ensure peaceful elections as the nation counts down to the upcoming polls.

Speaking at the 2023 International Military Sports Council (CISM) Day Run in Abuja, Irabor urged all security personnel to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities and maintain a peaceful atmosphere for the elections, which are just seven days away.

Irabor noted that CISM was established in 1948 after World War II as a means of promoting global peace and unity, with Nigeria joining the organization in 1972.

He praised the armed forces and security agencies for their successes in counterinsurgency and other security challenges that have recently plagued the nation’s security landscape, and encouraged them to maintain their momentum toward victory.

The event was attended by service chiefs and heads of other security agencies, and the Director of Sports at Defence Headquarters, AVM Kabir Aliyu, expressed gratitude to all participants for taking part in the 5-km race, which he said was part of efforts to enhance the physical capacity of personnel in performing their constitutional duty.

The Vice President of CISM and president of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa, Maj.-Gen. Maikano Abdullahi, explained that the CISM Day Run is a tradition that was started by the organization’s founding five member countries to mark the end of World War II, and that armed forces around the world have been participating in the event to keep themselves healthy and fit.

He added that CISM has brought armed forces and other security agencies together in harmony for the common good of all.