Work for Nigerians not politicians, CSO charges security agencies

Ahead of the governorship and state assembly elections, the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has reminded security agencies of their primary responsibility to guarantee the safety and security of election officials as well as other election stakeholders, including voters, polling agents, election observers, the media and service providers.

Situation Room Convener, Ene Obi, in a pre-election conference, in Abuja, on Thursday, urged the police and other security agencies to ensure that they are non-partisan, professional and avoid any actions capable of being interpreted as acting in support of any political interest.

According to Obi, the security situation across the country appears tense, with reports of violence, kidnap and assassination in several states including Lagos, Rivers, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu and Kano.

She urged security agencies to take adequate measures to forestall the recurrence of acts of voter suppression, disruption of voting, and outright violence experienced in some places during the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

Noting the circulation of smear campaigns and desperations that have intensified on social media, Obi called on political parties to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner and discourage violence by their supporters.