Ribadu warns strong response to Anambra election violence
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has warned that any act of violence during the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election will be met with a firm and decisive response from security agencies.
Ribadu issued the warning during a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, a forum set up to coordinate security arrangements ahead of polls. He was represented at the meeting by the Director of Internal Security in the Office of the NSA.
Security chiefs said they are preparing to ensure a peaceful voting day and promised to deal swiftly with troublemakers who seek to disrupt the process. The agencies stressed that lawful protest and political activity are permitted, but violent acts aimed at destabilising the election will attract a strong operational response.
The warning comes as stakeholders intensify voter education and logistics ahead of the November 8 poll. Authorities urged political actors, community leaders and residents to cooperate with security plans and to report any intelligence that could prevent violence. The ICCES meeting reinforced the message that the state must remain safe for voters and election officials.
