With just 17 days to go, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd) has held a closed-door high-level security meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, Chairman Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, and Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba.
Also, Chief of Army Staff Lt General Faruk Yahaya, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo were at the office of the National Security Adviser, Abuja.
Addressing the media, National Security Adviser, Monguno said there are numbers of issues confronting the polity, however agitations geared towards the conduct of 2023 should be dispelled as the election will go on without any rancor.
He added that the security outfit have put in place measure to ensure that Nigerians to exercise their franchise without fear.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor said, "we in the Armed Forces have been following very closely the development that affect electioneering process and the military is ready to support the Nigeria Police and other security agencies for the safety of Nigerians during and after the 2023 general election.
On his part, Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba admitted to the issues of crime and criminality in certain states of the federation, says it will look into the agitations that has led to apprehension and uncertainty by Nigerians towards the conduct of credible polls.
Meanwhile, the Chairman Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu said the Commission seeks the comprehensive plan for the deployment of security personnel, including their various duty posts and contact details.
"This arrangement has been done in the past and has greatly facilitated rapid response to situations that may arise in the field either on Election Day or during the collation of results.
"We are glad that additional security has been deployed to our facilities nationwide. We also note the increasing tempo of activities in many troubled spots nationwide.
"We are confident that these actions will further reassure voters, our personnel, service providers and stakeholders of their safety during elections and of a free, fair and peaceful process,"he added.
Prof Yakubu noted that INEC has engaged other critical national institutions such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) with regard to the adequate supply of petroleum products and the arrangement to pay for critical services without any encumbrances.
The INEC Chairman's visit to the National Security Adviser (NSA) forms part of the activities to seek collaboration and support towards the conduct of free, fair and credible elections come February 25th 2023.
