The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mohammed Babagana Monguno; the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba; and Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, have assured Nigerians of a safe and rancour-free February 25 and March 11 general elections.
The trio made their commitment on Tuesday during a visit by the management of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) led by its chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to the NSA office in Abuja.
Monguno who said that though, there were issues confronting the polity, assured that the pockets of agitations geared towards the conduct of 2023 should be dispelled as the election would go on successfully.
He dismissed what he called illusions by agents of fake news and misinformation that the elections would not hold.
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“Every Nigerian that will go out to exercise their franchise will do that in a secure atmosphere. I have confidence in the security architecture as well as intelligent reports from them and they have assured us.
“The remaining 17 days before the elections will be an intense period for us and I know that all security agencies are equal to the task,” he said.
On his part, the CDS said that the armed forces had been closely monitoring the electioneering process and polity, assuring of support to the police as the lead agency handling the electioneering.
Responding, the INEC chairman commended the NSA for convening the high-level security meeting.
He said that with just 17 days to the 2023 elections, most of the sensitive and non-sensitive materials were already in various locations nationwide.
He said, “Facilities destroyed in recent attacks have either been repaired already or are being repaired. Where the damage is extensive, alternative facilities have been secured while materials lost will be replaced.
“We have also engaged other critical national institutions such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) with regard to the adequate supply of petroleum products and the arrangement to pay for critical services without any encumbrances.”
