CDS supports early voting bill for military personnel, securities
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa
CDS supports early voting bill for military personnel, securities
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has thrown his weight behind a proposed bill aimed at enabling early voting for members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, other security agencies, and essential election duty staff.
General Musa gave his assurance on Wednesday while receiving Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
A statement by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau said the Senator’s visit was to formally brief the military leadership on the proposed legislation, which is currently before the National Assembly.
According to Senator Yar’adua, who is working in collaboration with a civil society organisation, the bill seeks to address the disenfranchisement of over two million security and essential duty personnel deployed during the last general elections who were unable to vote due to the nature of their assignments.
“This bill aims to ensure these critical personnel can vote ahead of general elections without compromising national security or the integrity of the electoral process,” Yar’adua said, while also extending an invitation to the Defence Headquarters to make a formal presentation at an upcoming public hearing on the proposed law.
In addition, Senator Yar’adua informed the CDS of a second bill, which proposes a framework for alternative and sustainable funding for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He noted that the bill has passed its second reading in the Senate and is also scheduled for a public hearing, calling for the Defence Headquarters’ input and participation.
In response, Musa expressed deep appreciation to Senator Yar’adua for sponsoring what he described as two “critical and timely” bills that would significantly impact the welfare and operational efficiency of the Armed Forces.
“The Defence Headquarters is fully in support of these efforts. We are ready to actively participate in the public hearings and provide all necessary input to ensure the success of these bills,” the CDS said.
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to democratic development and national security, emphasizing that initiatives aimed at empowering service members and enhancing operational capacity are always welcome.
