President Muhammadu Buhari has urged security agencies to handle the distribution and monitoring of classified materials and other logistics “professionally and in accordance with Standing Operation Procedures” during the 2023 general elections.
He made the call on Wednesday while speaking at the commissioning of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) newly acquired Estate in Idu-Karmo, Abuja.
The president, who restated his earlier directive to the agencies to remain apolitical, said they must desist from behaviour that could bring disrepute to their organisations and the country “by compromising the democratic process.”
The president, who was the special guest of honour, explained that the DIA’s investment in staff accommodation complemented his vision of “achieving improved national security.”
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He said the accommodation would enhance productivity and coordination of activities of staff of the agency in view of increasing number of personnel to face new challenges and responsibilities.
Buhari said, “Let me reiterate, as we approach our general elections in 2023, security agencies would be engaged with various support and assistance in the elections, particularly with the distribution and monitoring of classified materials and other logistics.
“These must be done professionally and in accordance with Standing Operation Procedures. I, therefore, urge you to remain apolitical and desist from behaviour that could bring disrepute to the agency and our country by compromising the democratic process.”
Speaking earlier, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj.-Gen. Samuel Adebayo, said the DIA staff quarters were acquired to ameliorate the accommodation challenges faced by the agency.
He pledged that his agency would carry out the order given by the president towards securing the country with actionable intelligence.
He said the property contained 16 units of 3-bedroom terrace buildings with boys’ quarters and 48 units of 3-bedroom flats all in suite.
“One of the blocks of 6 units of flats and 2 units of terrace buildings has been furnished as proto-types while the rest would be furnished during the course of the year 2023 budget implementation cycle,” Adebayo added.
By Muideen Olaniyi & Idowu Isamotu
