Stakeholders in security have advised that Nigerians should not allow foreigners to interfere in our electoral processes.
The stakeholders also advocated for violence-free 2019 general elections, saying the choice was for our leaders to either accept that Nigeria was under democracy or dictatorship.
They made the call, last Thursday, during the 2018 Annual Award/Lecture Ceremony organised by the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), with the theme 2019 General Elections, The Security Challenges ahead at Sheba Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos.
Earlier, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP) Imohimi Edgal has raised the alarm that some unscrupulous politicians have started bringing in thugs from neighboring countries to cause violence during the elections.CP Edgal advised residents to be vigilant and to report any strange faces in their vicinity to the nearest police station or other sister agencies.
The Controller General, Nigeria Immigration Service ( NIS )Muhammed Babandede, advised that Nigerians should not allow foreigners to participate in the oncoming general elections.
The Immigration boss, who was represented by an Assistant Controller of Immigration ( ACI) Olugbenga Ayegbusi, said the importance of the event could not be overemphasized as security is a business of all.
“Nigeria is on the match again and we can not but look out and work towards eliminating possible election violence. We at the immigration service are not just about foreigners, but about the security apparatus of the country. The problem is with Nigerians harboring foreigners during the election. This must be discouraged.
“Election is ours, but it is unfortunate that during elections, you will see foreigners in possession of elections materials which is an aberration. This has a negative effect on our country and it should be condemned by everyone, not just security agencies alone. We should desist from allowing foreigners to manipulate our election. We should report foreigners to the appropriate authorities when we see them in our vicinity”, he said.
The guest speaker, former director of Department of State Security ( DSS ), Mr. Dennis Amachree who is the CEO Zoom Lens Security identified several possible issues that could lead to election violence adding that the main cause is the African leaders who have failed to recognise what democracy is all about.
“The Nigerian people forget that democracy is a stranger to our system and we find it difficult to get it right. It is strange to our system just like asking a foreigner to consume our local food. When colonial masters left, our politicians came and felt that they are the new monarchs and they believe that they have to remain in power forever.
“It becomes so bad that you have a history of African countries with presidents who had been ruling for decades and still let their children take over after running the country to the ground. We may not have the monarchs but we have the genes in us.
“As the general elections approach, we find out some people have been anointed or selected instead of being selected. You will see a person being called the Governor’s anointed candidate which is not supposed to be.
“Politicians fight to get themselves into office not for Nigerians but for their pockets. This is because when they get into office, they begin to enrich themselves. That is why there is a proliferation of arms, vote buying, and vote selling.
“In other climes, you will be voted before you become the Commissioner of Police but that not possible in Nigeria. Politicians won’t support state police just because they believe an opposition Governor will use them to his benefits.
“Security agencies are then left in a dilemma. This is why I keep saying we need to fight for the independence of security agencies. In order to get it right, security agencies should embrace synergy as the first step to tackling election violence. The press should also help in the area of enlightenment and reporting news as it is really is.
The President, Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), Sunday Odita said that the event is coming at a time when the election is approaching as the topic sought to discuss possible ways of tackling election violence.
“We are gathered here just like we have done in previous years principally to deliberate on a theme we consider politically expedient in the scheme of things in present-day Nigeria.
“Today’s topic was carefully chosen bearing in mind that our country is entering an election year. In essence, we are here to learn from persons who have paid their dues in security management.
“Over the years, our lectures had focused on relevant issues that called for expert discussions and recommendations arising from such have gone a long way in helping the relevant government agencies or authorities in finding solutions to the perceived challenges.
“In past elections, Nigeria has faced several challenges much of which hinged on insecurity as violence either prior, during or after elections had reared ugly heads. Several lives were lost”.
He added that the event was also to honour dozens of Nigerians silent heroes who have contributed in their modest ways to keep our lives and property secure.
The Chairman of the event, Dr. Ubong King, said the population of the country keeps increasing, but the size remains the same which gives rise to insecurity.
“In January, there was a report that 20,210 babies were born in one day. This means that those that were given birth to at churches, mosques, and villages were not counted.
“The size of the country remains the same, but the population keeps increasing. Insecurity becomes an issue because there will be hunger and ethnic rivalry so election rivalry is not new either before and after.
“We are already seeing signs. You will see on the social media that there are already challenges everywhere. Now, the people forget that the economy stops when the election is here. Every businessman and investor stop to see the outcome of the election. Once they pause and take out their money, there will be a rise in hunger and thuggery becomes the other of the day so we should be ready.” he said.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Edgal Imohimi who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Elkanah Yakubu said his security challenges for the coming election is for the press to do the needful.
The CP said that it is a good thing the Crime Reporters CRAN, is holding the event which will serve as a medium to caution the press and the social media on accurate reporting.
“If the press reports the correct happening before and after the elections, I am sure there will be less violence, so I appeal to the press to help the nation move forward by reporting what is right,” he said.
The Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC who was represented by the Lagos Zonal Commander, ACG Dateer Andy also said that the press should join hands in tackling election security challenges.
He added that traditional rulers should also caution those around them since they are closer to the people.
According to him, every Nigerian should be security conscious as the election approaches due to the fact that population increases, job decreases, and crime is on the rise.
