The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has warned, that any attempt to undermine, interfere with, or disrupt the peaceful conduct of the September 21 and November 16 Edo and Ondo governorship elections would be viewed as an assault on the very essence of Nigeria’s democratic values.
Ribadu said those planning to disrupt the elections should not mistake the current administration’s commitment to peace for weakness.
The NSA who stated these at the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCESS) meeting in Abuja, said law enforcement agencies were on high alert and ready to swiftly and decisively deal with anyone trying to undermine the polls.
Ribadu, the Co-Chairman of ICCES who was represented by the Director, Internal Security in the Office of NSA, Hassan Abdullahi, noted that the governorship election in Edo State is about a month away, and campaigns have begun in earnest, albeit with pockets of inter and intra-party squabbles.
He pledged that security agencies will defend the integrity of the polls by using every lawful means at their disposal, warning that anyone attempting to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the elections will face the full force of the law.
“We want to reassure you, that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to peaceful election is unwavering.
“To the voters in Edo State, you are encouraged to vote confidently, knowing that the government is standing with you and is determined to protect your voice. Your role in promptly reporting any suspicious activities or threats to the authorities is crucial. Together, our vigilance and unity will prevent any attempts to undermine the polls,” he said.
He further charged security forces and election officials on the essence of dedication and integrity. “As the guardians of our democracy, you must ensure that every ballot is protected, every voter feels safe, and the sanctity of the election is upheld.
“Finally, let’s move forward, knowing that together we are stronger and that we will protect the peaceful conduct of the Edo State governorship election on September 21st, 2024.”
For his part, the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu insisted that party and campaign spokespersons must tone down the negative rhetoric.
He also urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to maintain the peace as they approach the election day and beyond, while calling on security agencies to be more vigilant within the period.
“Electioneering campaigns by political parties are ongoing. This is usually a time of concern and anxiety about security as political parties canvass for votes. A peaceful campaign often heralds a peaceful election. I urge political parties, candidates and their supporters to maintain the peace as we approach the Election Day and beyond.
“For the security agencies, this is the time to be more vigilant. You should leave no stone unturned in dealing with any real or potential threat to the conduct of peaceful and transparent elections. Already, concerns have been expressed about the possibility of armed state and non-state actors disrupting the processes.
“With just 37 days to the Edo State governorship election and 93 days before voters in Ondo State go to the polls, we should continue to work together to ensure that the training of election officials, logistics for the movement of personnel and materials, polling and collation activities are not disrupted in any way.
“I must also add that in doing so, all your personnel should continue to abide by the code and conduct and rules of engagement for security personnel on electoral duty. We are again including copies of the document in your folders for this meeting. The same document is available on our website as well as the websites of the Nigeria Police and other security agencies,” Yakubu added.
Also speaking, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun said the force was putting all measures required to ensure peaceful conduct of the two elections in place.
The IGP who was represented by National Coordinator of Special Intervention Squad Operations, Commissioner of Police Lanre Ogunlowo, said the Force will coordinate all other security agencies to ensure that voting in these elections takes in a peaceful and orderly manner.
“We take cognisance of the challenges that usually come with elections and all resources are being deployed. At the moment, we have compiled and set aside officers from Police and other security agencies that would partake in the election. To that extent, we will just want to assure that we will do all we need to do.
“The issue of non-state actors especially disrupting or attempting to interfere with the electoral process will completely not happen. If they are not constitutionally involved in the process, they are not supposed to be found during the voting process.
“So, we will continue to do what we need to do, and we assure the people of the two states and Nigerians at large that this election will come, it will be peaceful, their votes will count, and we will have cause to give thanks to INEC and other participants during and after the elections,” Ogunlowo added.
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