13th May, 2022
By Emmanuel Oloniruha
The National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno said all security and law enforcement agencies will monitor and profile all political actors.
The actors will include former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other politicians preparing to run for the 2023 elections.
Monguno stated this on Friday at the second quarterly meeting of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in Abuja.
According to him, political actors who exhibit tendencies to subvert the electoral process, will be watched consistently.
Political thugs and their sponsors would equally be under discreet surveillance for possible arrest and prosecution.
Monguno, represented by Mr Sanusi Galadima, noted with utmost concern, the growing uncertainty heralding the conduct of party primaries for the 2023 general elections.
“This is in addition to the unabated spate of violence that threatened the upcoming off-cycle gubernatorial elections in Ekiti and Osun States, arising from internal party wranglings, increasing acrimony and bickering amongst political actors.
“Also the inability of various contending political blocs to amicably resolves differences in line with democratic tenants.
“Consequently, the above disturbing development has already culminated in intense power-play capable of heightening unnecessary political tension across the country.
“More worrisome is the unguarded utterances of some highly respected individuals and groups which more often than not amplify divisive narratives to the detriment of national security and stability.
“Accordingly, heads of security and law enforcement agencies have been tasked to step up close monitoring and profiling of political actors no matter highly placed who exhibit tendencies to subvert the electoral process, even as thugs and their sponsors would equally be trailed for possible arrest and prosecution,” Yakubu said.
The NSA emphasised the need for INEC to impress it on political parties to consistently abide by prescribed rules as outlined in their respective constitutions.
“This is to significantly reduce areas of conflict and ensure a peaceful atmosphere for a hitch-free off-cycle and general election,” Monguno said.
NAN