NSA Defends Security Strategy for Anambra Poll

National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd)

Onyebuchi Ezigbo  in  Abuja

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) has justified the tight security restrictions witnessed during the governorship election in Anambra State.

Sambo, who spoke at a special interactive session of spokesperson of security agencies and the media held in his office in Abuja, urged media practitioners to promote national interest, security consciousness and peace in the country.

Speaking on the role of the military during elections, Col. Dasuki who maintained that while it is not the responsibility of security to monitor electoral officials during election, he noted that security officers are only mandated to provide maximum security for the protection of lives and properties.

“As security agencies we are not to be partisan and bias but professional in our conducts. Our security personnel provided maximum security similar to the strategies deployed in Edo and Ondo elections which were won by the opposition and widely commended,” he said.

Sambo, who also stressed that the media is a critical sector in the attainment of national goals and aspirations, dismissed critics of the maximum security deployed during the  Anambra governorship election, saying it was to ensure public safety.

According to a statement issued by the Secretary of the Media and Information Committee on Emergency Management (MICEM) and Head, Public Relations Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Emmanuel Okeh, the NSA said there is need for closer collaboration between the media and security agencies in the country.

The statement quoted the  NSA as having called for improved and sustained working collaboration among stakeholders in the nation’s security sector for more results.

While commending Nigerian media for its contributions towards the sustenance of democracy in the country, Sambo urged it to be professional and guard against becoming willing tools in the hands of trouble-shooters in their quest to promote their selfish ambitions.

“The nation is at a very critical stage: we should be wary of individuals and groups whose selfish agenda may affect our security through dirty politicking, negative activism and other acts of criminality. There are many lessons to be learnt from happening across the globe so that our nation will remain peaceful and well-secured.”

The  Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Chris Olukolade charged media practitioners and security spokespersons to discharge their duties with humility, professionalism and sincerity, noting that both teams are all working towards the attainment of common goals and therefore there is no need for mutual suspicion or rivalry.