The National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President, retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno, has warned against any form of plot to exploit the current social-economy situation in Nigeria to ignite civil unrest before, during and after the general elections.
Monguno, represented by Sanusi Galadima, gave the warning during the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting held by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja on Tuesday.
The NSA said 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.
“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 emphasised 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.
“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.
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.
“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.
“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.
INEC chair
Meanwhile, Chairman Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof Mahmood Yakubu has called on the 229 accredited foreign and national groups deploying over 146,913 election observers for the 2023 general election to respect the sovereignty of Nigeria and adhere strictly to the rule of engagement.
Yakubu who spoke Tuesday at INEC briefing for observers to the 2023 general election at the International Conference Center (ICC) Abuja, cautioned the observers not to interfere with the process or show partisanship in discharging their duties.
Specifically, the INEC boss reminded the nation and international observers to be guided by the fact that the election is being conducted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria whose sovereignty must be respected.
He said: “Do not interfere with the process or show partisanship. In addition, international observers must be guided by the fact that the election is conducted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I wish to remind observers that there is a code of conduct for election observation. You are by definition observers. Do not interfere with the process or show partisanship. In addition, international observers must be guided by the fact that the election is conducted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria whose sovereignty must be respected.”
Yakubu, who heartily welcomed the Observers in Abuja, said the briefing for accredited election observers was in line with best global practice, adding “the Electoral Commissions in most jurisdictions invite national and international organisations to deploy observers or organise study tours for election managers during elections.
He stated that “as a consequence, observers submit reports to electoral Commissions highlighting strengths and weaknesses of processes. Arising from study tours, election managers also learn from other jurisdictions.”
Yakubu added that the reports and recommendations of observers and the knowledge from the study tours helped electoral commissions to progressively improve processes.
“The progressive improvement in our electoral democracy since 1999 draws in part from the reports of observers and the study tours. That is why over the years, the commission has sent open or specific invitations to national and international observers. The implication is that all accredited Observers are guests of INEC.
“For the 2023 general election beginning this weekend with the Presidential and National Assembly elections, the Commission has accredited 196 national or domestic groups that are collectively deploying 144,800 observers.
“Similarly, the commission accredited 33 international organisations deploying 2,113 observers. In all, 229 groups are deploying 146,913 observers for the 2023 general election. This is the largest deployment of domestic and international observers in the history of elections in Nigeria.
“Today’s briefing for observers is in keeping with international good practice. I wish to remind observers that there is a code of conduct for election observation.
“You are by definition observers. Do not interfere with the process or show partisanship. In addition, international observers must be guided by the fact that the election is conducted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria whose sovereignty must be respected.
“I urge you all to keep to the rules, listen to the presentation to be made shortly and ask questions where you require further clarification. We look forward to seeing you in the field this Saturday,” Yakubu told the observers.
