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2023: FGN Seeks Increased Surveillance On INEC Facilities

 

Federal Government of Nigeria has called on security agencies in the country to deal decisively with any situation or group that may undermine the security of life and property in the country ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno who made the call at the emergency meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCES, in Abuja said government will not deal lightly with any group, organisations or institutions that decide to embark on any fundamental criminal undertaking.

He emphasized that 52 cases of violence in 22 states of the federation within one month is a bad signal which will not be allowed to continue as it will result in a lot of complications which may breed chaos especially as President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to upholding democracy as wanted by the people.

The National Security Adviser urged politicians to advise their supporters and followers to tow the path of peace as security agencies have been given clear cut directives to ensure the 2023 election is held in an atmosphere devoid of rancour or violence.

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Mr Monguno gave a categorical and unequivocal warning to all those who hold the strings or control groups that are known for unleashing violence regardless of party affiliations, to desist from actions capable of scuttling the election as the full weight of the law will be uninhibited

On his part, the Inspector General of Police,
Mr Usman Alkali Baba, said there have been arrests and some charged to court over issues of election violence and prayed for quick dispensation of justice so it can serve as deterrence to others who may be used by selfish politicians to unleash terror and reduce impunity.

He said events presently unfolding show the determination to ensure that 2023 general election is free, fair and credible is being threatened hence all security agencies must synergize and cooperate to end cases of intolerance amongst politicians leading to incidences of thuggery, rallies, and processions being violently stopped

The IGP opined that extending security surveillance to campaign periods, will go a long way in nipping election violence in the bud.

Earlier the Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who had decried the spate of attacks on the commission’s facilities, promised that nobody will be disenfranchised as it will reprint all 69, 699 Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs, burnt in the fire that razed its building in Ogun and Osun States.

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He expressed worry that if no urgent and decisive steps are taken, the attacks may intensify especially as the election date approaches saying that it is important to move swiftly and apprehend perpetrators, prosecute them as required by law as well as reinforce security around election officials and electoral infrastructure across the country.

The INEC boss reminded that election is a multi-stakeholder activity involving not just INEC and the security agencies but the political class who should play the most critical role in ensuring peaceful elections.

He reassured Nigerians that INEC is committed to delivering a credible election in spite of the challenges as according to him, the attempt to sabotage or weaken their resolve will not deter them from conducting transparent elections in which only the votes cast by Nigerians on Election Day will determine winners of elections.

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