With just 37 days to the Edo State governorship election, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has said that given the violent antecedents of some politicians and their supporters in the State, the security agencies are on alert to deal with anyone planning to undermine the election.
Ribadu, who was represented by Hassan Yahaya disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting held at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He emphasised that any attempt to undermine, interfere with, or disrupt the peaceful conduct of the election would be viewed as an assault on the very essence of the country’s democratic values
Ribadu added that those planning to disrupt the elections should not mistake the current administration’s commitment to peace for weakness.
His words: “The governorship election in Edo State is about a month away, and campaigns have begun in earnest, albeit with pockets of inter and intra-party squabbles.
“Accordingly, given the violent antecedents of some politicians and their supporters in the State, the NSA, who doubles as the Co-Chair of ICCES has warned that 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.”
The NSA reassured the electoral body that President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to peaceful election was unwavering.
His words: “Those planning to disrupt the elections should not mistake the current administration’s commitment to peace for weakness.
“We will defend the integrity of the polls using every lawful means at our disposal, and anyone attempting to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the elections will face the full force of the law.
“Law enforcement agencies are on high alert and ready to swiftly and decisively deal with anyone trying to undermine the polls.”
Ribadu told the Edo electorate to vote confidently, knowing that the government is standing with them and is determined to protect their voices.