SAY THERE’S ALREADY AN ORDER BY MR. PRESIDENT TO GUARANTEE CREDIBLE DEMOCRACY
By Vincess Okushi
The National Security Adviser (NSA) and Co-Chair of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCES, Nuhu Ribadu has expressed optimism about meeting 100% INEC standard requirements in the conduct of elections to curb violence or indiscriminate acts that will undermine the nation’s democracy.
He made the expression while hosting the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, and other members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCES, in his office in Abuja.
Nuhu said, that with President Bola Tinubu’s order for free, fair, and credible elections, the nation’s security is fully prepared to secure the mandate of the people for good governance and accountability.
We want to give assurance to Nigerians that this election will be even better than what we have had in the past. This election is going to be free and fair.
This election will be without interference. This election is going to be without violence. This election is going to be credible.
It is going to be a litmus test for us. Three important states, one in the north-central, one in the southeast, and one in the south-south and we are ready.
We will provide what it takes to provide credible elections and we are impressed with the preparations we have seen from INEC and will work together. Collectively it is our responsibility to deliver
Earlier, the Chairman of INEC Professor Yakubu while commending the security agencies for their continuous collaboration towards upholding democracy appealed for a more decisive action against perpetrators of electoral violence to deter its practice
Briefing the ICCES on the difficult geographical terrain and prevailing security situations in the three states where elections will be held Mahmood said he has often called political parties, candidates, and supporters to shun all forms of violence and other undemocratic activities such as vote-buying, attacks on election officials and disruption of the electoral process.
He reminded security agencies that the ultimate responsibility for election security lies with them, hence, thus urging for coordination and synergy among sister agencies to boost a secure environment for all Nigerians.
The three States of Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi are not the easiest in Nigeria to conduct elections. The difficult geographical terrain and prevailing insecurity are compounded by negative mobilization by political actors, especially since the commencement of the campaign in public on 14th July 2023. Our message to politicians is to call their candidates and supporters to order. Violence and other undemocratic activities such as vote buying, attacks on election officials, and disruption of the electoral process must stop
However, the ultimate responsibility for election security lies with the security agencies. Our message to the security agencies is to take decisive action against perpetrators of electoral violence. This is the surest way to guarantee a safe environment for the peaceful conduct of elections and electoral activities. In doing so, security personnel on electoral duty should remain neutral and committed to the established professional code of conduct and rules of engagement
