Politicians Working to Disrupt Elections, NSA Tells the Govs

Politicians Working to Disrupt Elections, NSA Tells the Govs

Says security agencies’ll deal with such politicians Govs worry over proliferation of small arms We’ll mop up illegal arms in the system— Acting IGP

ABUJA—AHEAD of next month’s general election, National Security Adviser, NSA, Major- General Babagana Monguno (retd), yesterday, told the 36 state governors that politicians were plotting seriously to disrupt the polls. According  to the NSA, the group of politicians in this category are those who are afraid that they will lose the coming elections. He, however, warned that security forces would deal with anyone caught in such acts.

Speaking yesterday when he met with the governors, under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGE at its National Secretariat, Maitama, Abuja, Monguno said  intelligence reports showed that there were   plans by some individuals and groups to cause violence during and after the elections.

The NSA said: “Reports reaching me have revealed that some individuals who are uncertain of their fate in the elections are plotting to participate in widespread violence aimed at scuttling the polls.” Monguno, who warned politicians against arming thugs during the elections as it will not be tolerated by government, stressed that the strategy of the politicians was to cause crisis that could go out of control for the government and the people. The NSA said:  “There are indications that these unscrupulous elements are already mobilising merchants of violence, including armed bandits and terrorists to cause problems cross the country. “I will refrain from being specific on some of the plots that have been uncovered, though the security agencies will spare no efforts in dealing appropriately with any act that can destabilise the nation. “In this regard, we owe Nigerians the duty to protect and preserve their lives and property regardless of our individual or group aspirations.” However, he reiterated that government will not accept any thuggery of bearing of illegal weapons, saying:“Government will demonstrate zero tolerance to political thuggery and illegal bearing of fire-arms. He said: “I wish to restate that our doors are always open to collaborate and act proactively to maintain the sanctity of Nigeria.” Govs worry over proliferation of small arms Speaking to reporters at the end of the meeting, Chairman of NGF and Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, expressed concerns over the proliferation of arms and ammunition in the country ahead of the February 16 general election. Yari, who noted that the governors were also alarmed over the spate of kidnapping across the country, disclosed that the governors have recommended a stronger collaboration and intelligence sharing among security agencies to ensure that lives and property were protected. According to him, the governors have further resolved to collaborate with security agencies to ensure that the elections are free, fair and credible. Yari said: “Governors as major stakeholders, they seek our cooperation so that their job would be easier. We promised to do our best and ensure the election is free and credible.” We’ll mop up illegal arms in the system— Acting IGP Also speaking, Acting Inspector General of Police, IGP, Muhammed Adamu, who reassured Nigerians of a violence free poll, said security agencies were ready for the election and would ensure that they mop up illegal arms in the system. The police boss also assured of the neutrality of the police, which he said should not be in doubt during the elections.