The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has faulted the presence of military personnel in the conduct of the 2023 presidential election, saying it does not identify with the tenets of democracy.
Gbajabiamila, stated this at his Polling Unit 014, Ward 08, Fowler Memorial International School, Masha, Surulere, Lagos, after casting his vote.
According to him, elections are the sole responsibility of the police to ensure a free and fair poll.
Gbajabiamila noted that the Military’s assignment are to defend the territorial integrity of the country and not be deployed for electioneering.
He said: “I’m a constitutional lawyer. The Military has no place in elections. Years ago I took the matter to court and the court fined in my favour, that was during Ekiti election.
“Military has no place in democracy, it’s the sole responsibility of the police, unfortunately it is what it is, we are here with the police and military. I hope as we develop our democracy, we will begin to identify with the tenets of democracy and keep the military in the barracks, only to be brought out when it’s time to defend our territorial integrity.
“When it comes to civil matters, such as this, it is the sole exclusive responsibility of the police, I hope going forward that will be the case.”
Speaking on the chances of the party in the ongoing election, Gbajabiamila said the All Progressives Congress (APC) would emerge victorious.
“The party has done well, we have a grand swell of support and I believe the result will favour the APC. If you look at the track records of all the candidates, it is something that worthwhile.
Gbajabiamila commended the orderliness of the exercise.
“The election is orderly and peaceful and I hope it continues like that.”
Also speaking with The Guardian, Masha community leader, Chris Johnson, stated that all the political parties are given a fair standing, noting that there were no cases of intimidation.
He added that the scarcity of Naira has no effect in the election exercise.
“The Naira Scarcity has no effect because elections are not monetary things. Elections are not about monetisation. Whether there is a shortage in Naira or not election must go on and like you have seen it is free and fair.
“Thank God there is Naira scarcity, if not the people might be saying that maybe the political party that is in power, which is the APC might have influenced the election.”
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