By Akinwale Kasali
Ahmed Audi, the Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, is optimistic that contrary to insinuations from certain quarters the 2023 General Elections will hold in the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
The NSCDC Boss said that the electorate should be assured of maximum protection while casting their votes.
Audi added that all security apparatus are on alert to quash any security threat that may arise, advising citizens to remain confident and rest assured that elections will take place in all states.
The Commandant General made this statements while receiving Transparency International Nigeria, Auwal Rafsanjani Award in Abuja, the nation’s Capital.
He reiterated that the cruciality of the 2023 general election requires a multi-agency approach, therefore, calling on all security and law enforcement agencies in the country to come together and synergise in order to uphold, defend and sustain Nigeria’s democracy.
A statement signed by NSCDC Spokesperson, Olusola Odumosu, it reads, “ Audi informed that, historically, elections are marred by violence but assured that the forthcoming elections will be successfully conducted against the expectations of naysayers who believe that we cannot get it right in Nigeria.
“The Corps helmsman affirmed that the Corps will collaborate with civil society organisations to inform the populace against incitement of violence, thuggery, hate speeches and other forms of electoral malpractices and crime.
“He also assured that elections will be held in all parts of the country and citizens will enjoy maximum protection during the period to exercise their franchise because the elections will be rancour-free.
“He hinted that personnel of the Corps are undergoing a series of training and workshops to educate them on how to conduct themselves before, during and after elections as all hands must be on deck and none is expected to fall short of expectations.”
In the same vein, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Lagos State, in its quest to enhance adequate security at the forthcoming election held an inaugural meeting of the Inter Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCESS.
The Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Olusegun Agbaje and the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Abiodun Alabi and other security agencies brainstormed on how the 2023 election in the State would be conducted under an atmosphere of peace and harmony.
It was however agreed by the Committee that a Security Strategy should be designed before, during and after the elections for the electorates and the entire electoral process.
