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Editorial

2019: The Call For Security Agencies, Politicians, INEC

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The Challenges To Watch Out For In 2019 General Elections.

Ahead of the 2019 general elections, the National security Adviser, Babagana Monguno had given a warning that all security agencies should not compromise.

He gave the warning at the recent meeting of the Inter agency Consultative Committee on Election Security in Abuja.

Monguno said that government will sanction any security agency that aid or abet rigging of the 2019 general election. He also urged the security personnel to perform their assigned duties without compromising the integrity of the polls.

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An editorial by sun news, commended the NSA chief for his timely advice, while urging the government to ensure that the personnel of the security agencies stick to the directive.

All relevant stakeholders, especially those saddled with the responsibility of the peaceful conduct of election, must get the support of all Nigerians in the forthcoming 2019 general election. We must improve on the gains of the 2015 general election as well as build confidence in the sanctity of our electioneering processes.

Naija News also recalls that the 2019 general election alone is estimated to cost N143bn, while the nation has already spent much in conducting some governorship, National and State Assembly elections since the 2015 election.

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We call on the politicians and their supporters to help the security agents to ensure that the forthcoming election is not marred by violence and other electoral infractions.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the whole picture has tried in getting as many Nigerians as possible to vote but it is expedient that it upholds free and fair election. All INEC officials and ad hoc staff must have their hands on deck to enable all those who have registered to cast their vote

The security agencies must be neutral while providing security during the election. We say this because whenever the integrity of any election is compromised, the security agencies are seen to be complicit. The 2019 election must be conducted according to the electoral rules.

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We urge the electoral umpire to improve on the recent Ekiti State governorship election where vote- buying reportedly reached a disturbing level and where security agents were said to have abetted the process. We advise the voters to resist the temptation to sell their votes, no matter the price. They should realise that selling their votes will amount to mortgaging their future and undermining the electoral process.

For Nigerians to accept the outcome of the 2019 election, the electoral umpire must ensure that their votes count. Making their votes count is the best way to maintain the sanctity of the ballot box. All stakeholders, including the security agents that will be deployed to safeguard the integrity of election, must realise that election remains an anchor-sheet of democracy and everything should be done to protect it.

All security agents, on electoral duties, must put in their best to defend the larger interest of the nation. This is the least of the duties expected of them and they must resolve not to fail. They must carry out their assigned duties in strict compliance with the rules of engagement and the law. Rather than seek to compromise the integrity of the electoral process, they should be seen to be doing their best to protect it just as they should face the consequences if they fail.