Nigeria records 52 political violence in one month – Monguno

Retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno, the National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President, says Nigeria recorded 52 political violence across 22 states from Oct. 8 to Nov. 9.

Monguno said this at an emergency meeting of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja on Friday.

He described the situation as bad, saying it required urgent attention.

Monguno said that President Muhammadu Buhari has given the go-ahead to all security agencies to deal decisively with individuals or groups trying to prevent peaceful conduct of the 2023 general election.

“The president has also given his directive through me to all the operational intelligence and law enforcement agencies to ensure the 2023 elections are held in an atmosphere devoid of any rancour.

“The president is extremely pleased with the outcome of the results of elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun States and he wants a repeat of such performance.

“A manifestation of the people’s will triumphing over any obstacle that might dismantle the democracy we are trying to protect.

“I want to assure you that the security agencies have been given clear-cut instructions to pre-empt and deal with any situation in which any group, organization or institution decides to embark on what we consider to be a fundamentally criminal enterprise for the undertaking,” he said.

Monguno said that persons or groups trying to perpetrate unlawful acts regards of their political affiliation would be awarded appreciative sanction.

The NSA urged individuals who organised elements causing mayhem during elections to call their supporters to order.

Monguno said that already the security and intelligence agencies have been tracking some of the masterminds.

(NAN)

Nigeria records 52 political violence in one month – Monguno