The authorities of the Nigerian Army on Friday indicated their willingness to make necessary contributions to the peaceful conduct of the 2015 elections if called upon to do so.
The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Olajide Laleye, said in a telephone conversation with our correspondent that the issue of the successful conduct of the 2015 election was among the issues discussed in the 2014 Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State from December 1 to 6, 2014.
Laleye stressed that the Army would be willing to respond to any invitation by the political leaders of the country to contribute to the conduct of peaceful polls in 2015.
However, the Army spokesman was silent on the measures being put in place by the service to prevent violence during the elections.
He said, “That was one of the issues that were discussed in the just concluded COAS Annual Conference in Uyo; how to support democracy in 2015 thorough peaceful conduct of election in line with constitutional provisions.
“The details of such measures I cannot talk about.
“In line with our constitutional duties, if asked by our political leaders, we shall contribute to ensure that the elections are peaceful, free and fair.”
Meanwhile, a security expert, Mr. Simon Udie, has called on the government at both the federal and state levels to beef up security in the country during the festive period.
Udie told SUNDAY PUNCH that security operatives in the country should be ready to tackle criminal activities associated with the Christmas season.
He said, “All state governments have to ensure that the police patrol major parts of the country. This will send a message to criminals that the law enforcement agents are ready to deal with any criminal activities. Besides, this will give a measure of assurance and security to the citizens to go about their lawful activities and businesses without fear or apprehension. Like in Lagos, you can see policemen at various locations.
“In view of the Yuletide celebration ahead, I will suggest that all security agencies go into the red alert moment. A lot of movement is expected within the country.”
Udie also advised religious organisations to step up security around their buildings and their members, saying they should engage the services of either private or government security agencies.
In a separate interview, a certified protection officer and security analyst, Mr. Segun Elijah, told our correspondent that the likelihood of Boko Haram launching violent attacks is high during December.
“Boko Haram has always struck in festive periods to make a statement. Remember the Madala Christmas bombing, the Kano Easter bombing, and some other ones during Ramadan, the football World Cup, and others. There’s no point doubting Boko Haram’s capabilities to wreck havoc.
“The insurgents have also become proficient at using vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, wearing wired vests, kidnapping, and active shooting. To assess the threat level of Boko Haram’s insecurity in Christmas period, we need to look at the probability or history of the group’s striking, their capabilities, and the criticality of their strike.
“Religious activities, celebrations, jamborees, and others too could give the terrorists the mass casualties they always look for. Thus, I will say the threat level is very high now. Unfortunately, politics is distracting everybody.”
No comments:
Post a Comment