BY BENEDICT NWACHUKWU, ABUJA
The National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd.) has warned the Anambra people to shun all forms of violence in the coming governorship election in the state, saying that the security agencies would not tolerate criminality and intimidation.
The NSA gave the warning on Monday during the third special meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security on the Anambra governorship election at the headquarters of the Independent Electoral Commission in Abuja.
According to Monguno, the warming becomes necessary as the security agencies are poised for the November 6 governorship election in the state.
“We are poised for another all-important national assignment and that is the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State. We all know how important this exercise is, not only for those of us who are supposed to ensure hitch free exercise, but for the people who are expected to vote.
“It is the legitimate right of every citizen and we must not deny anybody that right to exercise his civic duty in an atmosphere devoid of rancor and those factors that lead to suspicion and people ending up in courts or violence.
“This is what we need to avoid, just like the chairman said, the two elections that were held in Edo and Ondo. We need to do even better than that in order to really earn confidence in society. Now, for those of us in the security (sector), we have already done most of what we’re supposed to do.
“The law enforcement agencies have been charged to conduct themselves in a manner that will command the respect of all the people of Anambra State and by extension, Nigeria.
“Stay within your wards and your local government areas and let us have a peaceful election. Do not do anything that will harm this process. Finally, I want to encourage agents of the Independent National Electoral Commission, do not allow what had happened in the past to dampen your spirits. Do not allow it to drive you into a state of lethargy.”
Earlier, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said that as the 2021 Anambra State Governorship Election holds in 12 days, the deployment of INEC non-sensitive materials and training of personnel for the election have virtually been concluded.
“The Commission has successfully accomplished 12 out of the 14 activities listed in the timetable and schedule of activities for the election released in January this year. The two outstanding activities are the last day of campaign, at midnight on Thursday, 4th November and election day, Saturday, 6th November.
“The REC for Anambra State is here to fully provide an update on the implementation of other activities and INEC’s general state of readiness for the election.
“INEC is determined to proceed with the Anambra State governorship election as scheduled. The safety and protection of voters, our personnel, accredited observers, the media and materials are cardinal considerations in any election. We have been assured by the security agencies of a secure environment for the election.
“The CP, Anambra State in his briefing, will provide more details regarding preparations on the ground. I wish to place on record the continued support of security agencies to the Commission during elections.
Particularly, noteworthy is the high level of professional conduct of the agencies in the last two major elections in Edo and Ondo states. Indeed, Edo and Ondo have become the standard for securing elections in Nigeria. We are confident that this will be replicated in Anambra State.”
