The National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (retd.), on Thursday, warned state governors against using thugs to prevent opposition parties from mounting campaign materials in their states, saying security agencies would neutralise such agents.
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Monguno spoke at the 60th session of the State House Ministerial Media Briefing organised by the Presidential Communications Team at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
He said, “These political elements should call their thugs, their capo regimes, to order. They should advise them that there will be no hiding place when law enforcement agencies come. If you cannot restrain your thugs, the government will do that for you.”
The NSA was reacting to reports that some state governors were enacting policies that stifled opposition parties’ hoisting of campaign materials in their states.
According to him, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has given clear directives to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in 2023.
He said, “One thing I can assure you is that the president has given clear directives. The people’s will must prevail, and what happened in Anambra, Osun, and Ekiti states is what we want to happen all over the country. Let the people choose their leader.
“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, bullying, and cornering their opponents. It’s a problem that’s linked to complexity. Because if you are really who you say 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 to the carpet, where 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, and the president has given his directives, and we’re working on that.”
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