The Federal Government has warned those plotting to undermine the September 21 Governorship election in Edo State to perish the idea, saying it is ready to deploy the full weight of the law against them.<\/p>\n
National Security Adviser, NSA, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, handed down the warning, yesterday, in Abuja at the third regular quarterly consultative meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCES, hosted by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.<\/p>\n
This was as the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and Chairman of ICCES cautioned spokespersons of political parties against divisive rhetoric.<\/p>\n
At the event, Ribadu said the President Bola Tinubu administration\u2019s commitment to peace must never be misconstrued for weakness.<\/p>\n
The NSA who doubles as co-chair of ICCES noted that given the violent antecedents of some politicians and their supporters in Edo State, said: \u201cAny attempt to undermine, interfere with, or disrupt the peaceful conduct of the poll would be viewed as an assault on the very essence of our democratic values.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to reassure you that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu\u2019s commitment to peaceful election is unwavering. Those planning to disrupt the elections should not mistake the current administration\u2019s commitment to peace for weakness. We 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. Law enforcement agencies are on high alert and ready to swiftly and decisively deal with anyone trying to undermine the polls.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo the voters in Edo State, 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s 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\u201d, he stated.<\/p>\n
Earlier, the INEC and ICCES Chairman, Prof. Yakubu said electioneering campaigns by political parties are ongoing, noting that this is usually a time of concern and anxiety about security as political parties canvass for votes.<\/p>\n
He urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to maintain the peace ahead of the election day and beyond.<\/p>\n
\u201cParty and campaign spokespersons should tone down the negative rhetoric.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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\u201d, he stated.<\/p>\n
The Federal Government has warned those plotting to undermine the September 21 Governorship election in Edo State to perish the idea, saying it is ready to deploy the full weight…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":86910,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-113871","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n