Ahead of the Edo and Ondo states polls, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu who doubles as the Co-Chair of Inter Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) has warned that any attempt to undermine, interfere with, or disrupt the peaceful conduct of the polls would be viewed as an assault on the very essence of Nigeria’s democratic values.
Ribadu who spoke in Abuja at the meeting of Inter Agency Consultative Committee on Elections Security (ICCES) assured that “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to peaceful election is unwavering”, and warned “those planning to disrupt the elections not to mistake the current administration’s commitment to peace for weakness”.
Represented at the occasion by Director of Internal Security, Mr Hassan Yahaya Abdullahi, the NSA stated that the law enforcement agencies “are on high alert and ready to swiftly and decisively deal with anyone trying to undermine the polls”.
He added, “the security agencies will defend the integrity of the polls using every lawful means at our disposal, and anyone attempting to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the elections will face the full force of the law.”
To the voters in Edo state, the NSA said “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.
“To our security forces and election officials, your dedication and integrity are crucial. 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.”
Earlier, the Chairman of ICCES, also the Chairman Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, had charged security agencies to be vigilant and leave no stone unturned in dealing with any real or potential threat to the conduct of peaceful and transparent elections.
The INEC boss said there were concerns about the possibility of armed state and non-state actors disrupting the election processes.
Yakubu enjoined the security agencies to continue to work together to ensure that the training of election officials, logistics for the movement of personnel and materials, polling and collation activities were not disrupted in any way.
He urged the security chiefs to ensure that all their personnel continued to abide by the code and conduct and rules of engagement for security personnel on electoral duty.
He said, “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.
Apart from the Edo and Ondo governorship election, the INEC boss told the security personnel that “there are a number of outstanding bye-elections for which presiding officers of the National Assembly and some State Houses of Assembly have declared vacancies.
“At our last meeting, the Commission informed you about the existence of vacancies for Khana II State Constituency of Rivers State, Bagwai/Shanono state constituency of Kano, Zaria Kewaye state Constituency of Kaduna State and the Babura/Garki Federal Constituency of Jigawa State. Since then, two more vacancies have been declared for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency of Oyo state and the Chikun/Kajuru federal constituency of Kaduna state.
“At this meeting, we will present to you the summary of the delimitation statistics of these constituencies to enable you begin preparations for security deployment ahead of the release of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the bye-elections”.
