* NSA assures of free, fair elections
By Nudoiba Ojen
The National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Rubadu has assured Nigerians of better conducted governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states.
Ribadu said that to guarantee free, fair, and credible elections in the states, the security services would collaborate with Independent National Electoral Commission.
The NSA spoke in Abuja on Friday during a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) about the governorship elections in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi.
He said, “We want to give assurance to Nigerians that this election will be even better than what we have had in the past. This election is going to be free and fair.
“Mr President has given his orders. He said he wants to see free, fair, credible election and this is going to be the first election under his watch.
“He said that we should take this message to INEC and to Nigerians that he is going to be very much available to support you to make sure Nigeria have free and fair elections.
“I can tell you, this election will be without interference. This election is going to be without violence. This election is going to be credible.
“It is going to be litmus test for us. Three important states, one in the North-Central, one in the South-East, one in the South-South and we are ready.
“We will provide what it takes to provide credible elections and we are impressed with the preparations we have seen from INEC and we will work together. Collectively it is our responsibility to deliver,’’ he said.
Ridadu said that the security agencies were fully prepared for the state elections, saying, “I also want to tell everyone including the politicians, nothing is much important than to have a free and fair election, if we want this country is to move forward”.
