2023: INEC Meets with Security Agencies in Abuja over Attacks on Its Facilities
Maryam Aminu
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has on Friday 11th November,2022 summoned an emergency security meeting over recent attacks on its facilities in Ogun and Osun state on Thursday
The INEC Chairman explained that the ICCESS emergency meeting was convened due to recent attacks on the Commission’s offices in two states within the week, as well as the increasing spate of attacks during electioneering campaigns by political parties.
Reacting on the increasing spate of political attacks, Prof. Yakubu said, “The Commission has so far tracked 50 incidents across 21 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. These unhappy occurrences are coming just a little over one month into the election campaign, which is scheduled to last for about five months from 28th September 2022 to 23rd February 2023 for national elections (Presidential and National Assembly) and from 12th October 2022 to 11th March 2023 for State elections (Governorship and Houses of Assembly).”
Yakubu demanded the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators, warning that if nothing urgent was done and decisive steps taken, the attacks would intensify as the elections approach.
He added that the REC in Ogun State had been directed to compile the Voter Identification Numbers of all the 65,699 permanent voter cards lost in the attack from the database and submit the record for immediate reprint.
“We want to assure affected registered voters in Abeokuta South that no one will be disenfranchised as a result of this dastardly act.”
“The commission wishes to reassure Nigerians that we remain committed to delivering credible elections in spite of the challenges. The attempt to sabotage or weaken our resolve will not deter us from conducting transparent elections in which only the votes cast by Nigerians on Election Day will determine winners of elections.”He added
Speaking also, the National Security Adviser (NSA) Maj-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), said the President has through him given security agencies clear-cut instructions to deal with criminals whose aim is to scuttle the 2023 polls.
According to him, even members of the president’s party found wanting would not be spared. He said: “The security agencies have been given clear cut instructions to deal with any group or organisation or institution that decides to embark in what we consider a fundamental criminal enterprise. What matters is that every Nigerian is allowed to cast his vote and those votes must count.
We are all aware of the fact that the President, as far as he is concerned, is committed to upholding and safeguarding democracy. This is what the people want. The President has also given his directives, through me, to all the operational intelligence and law enforcement agencies to ensure that the 2023 elections are held in an atmosphere devoid of rancour.
Those people who have gangsters working for them, I want to send a very, very clear warning, a categorical and unequivocal warning to each and every one, regardless of whichever political party, including the party of the President, for as long as you decide to scuttle the electoral process, the law enforcement agencies will equally be uninhibited in reacting to whatever actions you have taken.
“So if you think you can stretch security agencies, I think you’re making a mistake. You need to reconsider your position. Nobody’s going to take any excuse because the security agencies have been directed to behave in the same manner. I think a word is enough for the wise. Those people in the position to call to order these criminal elements, I’m giving you a word of advice, please reconsider your position”.Monguno added
Reacting also,the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba said some suspects had been arrested in connection with the twin attacks in Ogun and Osun states. He promised that justice would be served.
The IG has directed Commissioners of Police across the country to protect the facilities belonging to the Independent National Electoral Commission. This, he said, was part of measures to prevent further attacks on the commission’s properties.
