The National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, has declared that no amount of security threats will prevent the conduct of the 2023 general elections.
Mr Monguno stated this during a ministerial media briefing organised by the Presidential Communications Team at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday.
The NSA, who was reacting to the continued attacks on INEC offices, assured that the security agencies were currently on the trail of the attackers.
He said: “I hope your question is not a trap, but the elections will take place, we’ve said that. By the grace of Almighty, they (elections) will take place in an atmosphere bereft of intimidation and violence, we’ll try as much as possible to maintain that.
“For those people who’ve been going around burning offices, killing people, the security agencies have been given that instruction.
“Visit them with all you have and let them understand that there are consequences for bad behavior, that we’re determined.
“Everybody is a Nigerian, everybody is free to do whatever he wants to do, but don’t cross the line and move into another person’s territory.
“That you want to destroy government property, property set up by taxpayer’s money? How dare you? Who the hell are you?
“In a normal society, this is not tolerated, and I believe we’re a normal society, how can you just on your own, so please, let’s forget that one.”
The NSA also warned governors using thugs to prevent the opposition from mounting campaign materials in their domains that security agencies will soon come after them.
“The people’s will must prevail. What happened in Anambra or Osun and Ekiti is what we want to happen all over the country. Let the people choose their leader, whoever they want, then later, they can decide.
“But in the process of electing who governs them, we must be mindful of the fact that there are people hell-bent on forcing on bullying and cornering their opponents. It’s not even a function of numbers or a function of money.
“It’s a big problem. It’s a problem that’s also linked with complex. Because if you’re really who you’re, you don’t need to hire thugs.
“If you cannot restrain your thugs, the government will do that for you. And you’ll be called on the carpet and you’ll 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 know we have a lot of political thugs, straining at the leash, foaming at the mouth, desperate to bite and taste blood.
“But we’re going to apply everything within the powers of the government. And I’m not saying we’re going to just operate in a manner that’s not regulated.”
