NSA: I’m not in position to condemn Bayelsa, Kogi guber polls
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd), said he did not condemn the gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa and Kogi states.
At an Inter-Agencies Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting on Wednesday, his representative, Mr. Sanusi Galadima, had said that “unthinkable” things happened during the November 16 governorship elections in the two states.
“Violence erupted in the two states of Bayelsa and Kogi, particularly, the violence that occurred in Kogi State which aftermath of that election led to the death of a woman leader in that state,” Galadima had stated.
But a statement yesterday from the Office of the NSA, said he was not in position to pass judgement on the elections.
“Neither the ICCES nor the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) are in a position to pass verdict over the validity of gubernatorial elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states as some reports suggest.
“Only the courts are empowered by law to determine issues arising from the conduct of the elections.
“The planning and management of the electoral process is a continuous undertaking and through the ICCES, we are identifying the challenges recorded in the recent polls and working with all stakeholders to ensure that the outcomes of future polls are improved,” the ONSA noted.
It added that there is no difference between the position of the Nigeria Police Force and the ONSA on the recent polls, noting that both agencies have condemned the unfortunate death of Mrs. Salome Abuh, in Kogi State.
“The Nigeria Police has already made arrests and all security agencies are working to identify other perpetrators of election violence for prosecution,” it stated.
NSA promised to continue to work with law enforcement and security agencies involved in election security “to identify gaps, strengthen our collective preparedness and ensure that future elections are safer and conducive.
“All aggrieved parties to any election are advised to resort to the election tribunals provided by law.”
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