Lagos - The deployment of military personnel for the general elections in Nigeria will not interfere with the electoral process, the government said on Thursday.
Minister of State for Defence, Austin Akobundu, said the military would only complement the police and other security agencies to maintain law and order during the polls.
"I want to assure Nigerians of a violence-free general election, which will commence with the presidential poll on Saturday, March 28," he added.
According to him, those arguing against the military coming out to maintain security during the elections should be rest assured that their presence will not interfere with the electoral process.
The defence minister said it is the constitutional duty of the military not only to defend the territorial integrity of the country but assist the police in maintaining law and order when necessary.
He advised Nigerians to come out in their masses to exercise their right without fear of molestation.
Nigerians take to the polls on Saturday, with the two main presidential candidates -- Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammad Buhari.
According to analyst, the presidential election is expected to be the toughest in Nigeria since 1999. - SAnews.gov.za-Xinhua
