Abuja, Nigeria – The National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno (retd) has warned state governors using thugs to prevent the opposition from mounting campaign materials in their domains that security agencies will soon descend on them.
Appearing at the Ministerial Media Briefing organized by the Presidential Communications Team at the Presidential Villa Abuja on Thursday, he said when the law enforcement agencies move, there will be no hiding place for the perpetrators.
Monguno who was reacting to reports of state governors implementing policies that prevent the presence of opposition campaign materials in their states, blamed the action on what he called an inferiority complex.
He warned the governors to restrain their thugs as he said that President Muhammadu Buhari has given clear directives that the 2023 election must be free, fair and credible.
The NSA warned the governors to “call their Capo regime to order because when we move, there will be no hiding place.”
He said: “One thing I can assure you is, the President has given clear directives. 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 who are 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 are really who you are, you don’t need to hire thugs.
“If you cannot restrain your thugs, the government will do that for you. And you will be called on the carpet and you will 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 have given a clear warning that any politician who engages in any unpalatable activity, the use of thug and 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 that we’re going to just operate in a manner that is not regulated. The government is not going to embark on anything that is uncontrolled, we will operate on the straight and narrow, confining ourselves to legality. That I can assure you, the President has given his directives. And we’re working on that.
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