The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu says that the security agencies will work professionally to protect both men and material during the governorship election in Edo and Ondo States.
The NSA stated this in Abuja during Inter-Agency Consultative Committee meeting on Election Security (ICCES) with INEC in Abuja.
Represented by the Director Internal Security, Office of the NSA, Hassan Abdullahi, the National Security Adviser warned the electorates to abide by the laws of the land as anyone found wanting would face the full wrath of the law.
The NSA who doubles as Co-chair of ICCES noted that given the violent antecedents of some politicians and their supporters in the State, “any attempt to undermine, interfere with, or disrupt the peaceful conduct of the polls would be viewed as an assault on the very essence of our democratic values”.
He urged security personnel and election officials to ensure that every ballot was protected, every voter feels safe, and the sanctity of the election was upheld.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun gave the assurance that the force would ensure adequate deployment of personnel to protect lives and properties during the two elections.
INEC Chairman Professor Mahmoud Yakubu who also doubles as Chairman of ICCES urged Political Party leaders, Candidates and their supporters in the two States not to heat up the polity as campaigns are on going.
Edo governorship election is scheduled for September 21, while that of Ondo is scheduled for November 16.
