2019 Elections: CCC Charges Security Agencies, Electoral Body On Neutrality

BY AMOS DUNIA, ABUJA – The Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), has

Called on all security agencies deployed for the February 23, 2019 general elections to be proactive and conduct themselves professionally by carrying out their duties with absolute neutrality devoid of bias

This is just as the CCC observed with concern that following the postponement of Presidential/National Assembly and other elections by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), there has been over-heating of the polity by politicians and other state actors.

The Centre which is actively involved in collecting, collating, processing, harmonizing and disseminating information on any crisis or potential crisis situation in the country, said that the concerns expressed by Nigerians are genuine and a clear demonstration of their enthusiasm to be active players in the democratic process of the fourth republic.

It expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their patience and understanding in the wake of the postponement and therefore called on INEC to ensure that what led to the postponement of the elections last week would have been resolved by now.

A statement by the Executive Secretary of the CCC, Air Commodore Yusuf Anas (rtd), also called on the electoral Commission to exercise absolute neutrality in the conduct of the election just as it urged Nigerians to come out en-mass to vote for candidates of their choices in the rescheduled elections starting from Saturday, February 23, 2019. Anas expressed hope that INEC will speedily overcome all its challenges and conduct free, fair and credible elections that will be a panacea for peace and stability in Nigeria.

He explained that the Centre has been providing credible and professional crisis information and early warning alerts to strategic institutions with the view of taking appropriate measure towards ensuring adequate security as well as promoting peaceful coexistence in the country.

The CCC equally called on the media and Civil Society Organisations to monitor and keep Nigerians abreast before, during and after the elections.

The CCC works in close liaison with military, security, intelligence and response agencies in Nigeria. It meets with the Heads of Information Departments of all the agencies under the umbrella of the Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA).