••• 2023 ELECTIONS WILL HOLD
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno (retd) has warned that security operatives will go after thugs sponsored by state governors to disrupt campaigns by opposition parties.
The NSA spoke as the 60th guest of the Ministerial Media Briefing organized by the Presidential Communications Team at the Presidential Villa Abuja on Thursday.
The NSA urged the Governors to stop those behind the disruptive act as there will be no hiding place for them when the operation starts.
He stressed President Muhammadu Buhari had made it clear that the 2023 election must be free, fair, and credible and would be so.
He said that Nigerians must be allowed to chose their leaders.
Monguno said that only inferiority complex would make people to ban the presence of opposition campaign materials in their states.
Munguno said: “One thing I can assure you is, the President has given clear directives. The people’s will, must prevail. What happened in Anambra or Osun and Ekiti 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 who are hell bent on forcing on bullying and cornering 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 are really who you are, you don’t need to hire thugs.
“If you cannot restrain your thugs, the government will do that for you. And you will be called on the carpet and you will 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 have given a clear warning that any politician who engages in any unpalatable activity, the use of thug and 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 that we’re going to just operate in a manner that is not regulated. The government is not going to embark on anything that is uncontrolled, we will operate on the straight and narrow, confining ourselves to legality. That I can assure you, the President has given his directives. And we’re working on that.
“So those elements who think they can deny other people, the political air to breathe and reach out to the local community should have a rethink. And I’ve said it before, and I’m saying it again, these political elements should call their thugs, their Capo regimes to order. They should have a nice, quiet fireside chat with them, and advise them that when the law enforcement agencies come there’ll be no hiding place.”
The NSA gave the assurance that the disturbing attack on the offices of thd Independent National Electoral Commission would be handled.
He assured that 2023 elections will hold. “I hope your question is not a trap but the elections will take place, we have said that. By the grace of Almighty they 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 I have already said it, the security agencies have been given that instruction. Visit them with all you have and let them understand that there are consequences for bad behavior that we are determined. Everybody’s a Nigerian, everybody’s 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 set up by taxpayers 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.”
