A security expert, Dr. Kabiru Adamu, has said all states and local governments must be involved in security, in preparations for the forthcoming general elections.
Adamu, who is the Managing Director of Beacon Consulting Limited, said this during an interview on Channels Television.
He said, “Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) by its mandate is meant to be approached from three different angles – the federal level, the state levels and stakeholders.”
He called on all in the Inter Consultative Committee on Election Security to work with all stakeholders, including the traditional rulers, market women, association of youths, National Union of Road Transport Workers, displaced and handicapped persons, among others to achieving a safe and successful election.
The security expert believes securing Nigeria’s election infrastructure, including facilities of the Independent National Electoral Commission, requires an inclusive approach that brings on board all possible security stakeholders for intelligence gathering.
“Security is implemented in layers. By the time the INEC Chairman discusses with the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Inspector General of Police, they will know that he needs to be answered in a very clear manner.
“But when the directive is vague – ‘I need my facility to be protected’ – then it gives them room to play around,” Adamu added.
The presidential and National Assembly elections are slated for Saturday, February 25, while the governorship and House of Assembly polls will hold on March 11.