Ahmed Abubakar Audi, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), emphasized the importance of collaboration between security agencies for the success of the 2023 general elections.
The Commandant urged all security and law enforcement agencies in the nation to work together and synergize in order to protect, defend, and sustain Nigeria’s democracy in a statement signed by DCC Olusola Odumosu, the Director of Public Relations at the NSCDC NHQ in Abuja.
He emphasized that because the 2023 general elections are so important, a multi-agency strategy is necessary. As a result, it is critical for election security that all agencies collaborate to minimize needless confusion over roles and responsibilities.
The call was placed while Mr. Anwal Musa Rafsajani, Director of Transparency International Nigeria, was a guest at the Corps National Headquarters in Abuja.
Dr. Audi warned that elections have historically been marred by violence but reassured that the upcoming polls will go off without a hitch, defying the doubters who think Nigeria will never get elections right.
The head of the Corps reaffirmed that the Corps will work with organizations from civil society to educate the public about the dangers of inciting violence, thuggery, hate speech, and other election fraud and crime.
He further guaranteed that elections would take place throughout the nation and that voters would be given the best protection possible while casting their ballots since the elections would be devoid of resentment.
He made it known that Corps employees were through a series of workshops and trainings to teach them how to behave before, during, and after elections since everyone must be on their toes and nothing short of perfection is acceptable.
Anwal Musa Rafsajani, the country director for Transparency International in Nigeria, praised the Corps for its dedication to defending critical national infrastructure and assets against economic sabotage and pipeline vandalism. In order to ensure a safe and secure society, he urged the CG to keep moving forward on the correct road.
He argues that collaborative action is needed in Nigeria to improve conditions and urged for increased participation and cooperation with civil society organizations, who play a crucial role in election monitoring as the elections in 2023 get closer.