2023: NSA warns against civil unrest during election

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd), has warned against plot to exploit current social-economy situation in Nigeria to ignite civil unrest before, during and after the general election.
Monguno, represented by Sanusi Galadima, gave the warning during an Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting held by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja on Tuesday.
Gen. Monguno pointed out that government was aware of plots by domestic subversive groups and their external collaborators to exploit the current socio-economic climate in the country occasioned by well-intended government policies to ignite civil arrest.
According to him, “In this vein and in line with Mr President’s commitment to ensure a peaceful transition of political power to a democratically elected next president through free fire and credible elections; Security agencies have been charged to ensure a robust deployment to deal decisively with any individual or group no matter how highly placed.
“Consequently, the NSA emphasized that strong commitment among critical stakeholders in the electoral process, strict adherence to the rules of the game by the political actors and the security personnel exhibiting high level of professionalism are critical toward achieving a successful and credible election.’’
He assured Nigeria of his undeterred determination to coordinate the effort of all security and intelligence agencies toward the successful conduct of 2023 general elections
The NSA, however, observed with serious concern the escalation of violent electioneering campaign across the country in site the peace accord endorsed by all the presidential flag bears.
According to him, “This ugly trend is played catered largely on the attitude of political actors, their sponsored thugs and other unpatriotic elements through unguarded utterances.
“Apparently the above has further impeached the concerted effort of security and intelligence agencies to effectively neutralize the prevailing security challenges associated with the insurgency, terrorism, kidnapping, and separates agitations resource-based and communal conflict, among others”, he said.
Monguno urged INEC to reiterate the need for presidential candidates to uphold their commitment to peaceful upcoming elections and the next round of national peace accord.
He commended INEC security agencies and National Peace Committee toward the de-escalating the usual anxieties that characterize build to Nigeria general elections cycles.
Monguno also applauded the revised Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement for Security Agencies on Electoral Duties released at the meeting.
His words, ‘The Foregoing will undoubtedly enhance synergy and collaboration among member agencies to effectively mitigate in envisage threat to during and post-election phases.’’
In his remarks, INEC Chairman, Yakubu said that INEC was encouraged by the assurances of security in all locations, where elections and electoral activities will be conducted.
Yakubu said that the meeting was to fine-tune the committee operation plan for the election forthcoming elections, to guarantee safety of all.
According to him, “The commission is aware that security agencies are going to protect not only our officials and facilities, but also accredited observers, journalists, service providers, and above all the voters themselves.
“So this meeting is rarely an opportunity for us to fine-tune our operations, not only for the protection of the environment or the security of the environment in which election will be conducted.
“Also the security of all those involved in the process, ranging from INEC officials, the facilities we are going to use for the election, as well as all those who have legitimate business to be part of the electoral process
“From the observers to journalists representing various national and international media organizations to service providers like transporters, and others, but above all, the voters will cast their votes in about 177,000 locations nationwide on Saturday,’’ Yakubu said.
The highlight of the meeting including the presentation of the reviewed Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement for Security Agencies on Electoral Duties.