National Security Adviser, retired Major General Babagana Monguno submitted on Thursday that nothing will stop the upcoming 2023 general election from being held as scheduled.
Team@orientactualmags.com learned Babagana said this as a guest during the Ministerial Media Briefing organised by the Presidential Communications Team at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
On the continued arson attacks on INEC offices particularly after promising to deal decisively with the attackers, the NSA said security agencies were currently on the trail of those behind the arson attacks.
‘I hope your question is not a trap, but the elections will take place, we’ve said that. By the grace of Almighty, the elections will take place in an atmosphere bereft of intimidation and violence, we’ll try as much as possible to maintain that.
For those people who’ve been going around burning offices, killing people, the security agencies have been given an instruction. Visit them with all you have and let them understand that there are consequences for bad behavior, we’re determined. Everybody is a Nigerian, everybody is free to do whatever he wants to do, but don’t cross the line and move into another person’s territory.
That you want to destroy government property, property built with taxpayer’s money? How dare you? Who the hell are you? In a normal society, this is not tolerated, and I believe we’re normal society, how can you just on your own, so please, let’s forget that one’ he submitted while responding to a reporter’s question.
Monguno , who cautioned state governors against using thugs to prevent opposition from placing their campaign materials at strategic points, added that the security agencies would soon take necessary measures if such an action continues.
He said President Muhammadu Buhari had given clear directives that the 2023 elections must be free, fair and credible.
‘The people’s will must prevail. What happened in Anambra , Osun and Ekiti states is what we want to happen all over the country. Let the people choose their leader, whoever they want, then later, they can decide.
But in the process of electing who governs them, we must be mindful of the fact that there are people hell-bent on forcing on bullying and coercing their opponents. It’s not even a function of numbers or a function of money. It’s a big problem. It’s a problem that’s also linked with complex. Because if you’re really who you’re, you don’t need to hire thugs.
If you cannot restrain your thugs, the government will do that for you. And you’ll be called on the carpet and you’ll answer questions. We have a lot of politicians and I’m not being specific about any politician or party. This virus has to be contained.
I know we have a lot of political thugs, straining at the leash, foaming at the mouth, desperate to bite and taste blood.
But we’re going to apply everything within the powers of the government. And I’m not saying we’re going to just operate in a manner that’s not regulated’ he said- Team@orientactualmags.com
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