Survival of Nigeria’s democracy depends on impartial security agents - Mimiko
Ondo State Governor, Segun Mimiko, has said the survival of democracy in Nigeria depended on the impartial role of security agencies in the forthcoming general election.
Speaking at the end of year get-together of the State Security Service (SSS), Ondo State Command, in Akure, the governor said it was necessary for the country to get it right this time around.
Mimiko said, “If we fail to get it right this time around, I am afraid the future of this our great nation, Nigeria will be seriously affected. But I am very optimistic that we will get it right this year if we are able to hold free, fair and credible elections. That will guarantee a better future for us and coming generations.
“I have no doubt in my mind that the whole world has shifted attention to Nigeria to see how we would do it. The job of making Nigeria great, a country we will all be proud of, is not that of a single class, the civil society must work with the security agents to bring sanity into our electoral system.
“Also, the security agencies must rise up to the situation by providing tight security both on land and water ways during the elections to prevent electoral marauders from scuttling the exercise.”
“We have that confidence that you can do it. Always remember wherever you are posted to for your duty that we have no country other than Nigeria and no foreigner will come here to fix it for us. I am appealing once again that you should not work as agents of desperate and selfish politicians who do not wish this country well, but continue to justify your positions as security agents by being fair and just in all your official dealings.”
In his remarks, the State Director of SSS, Alhaji Ayo Adeleke called for cooperation among the stakeholders as the nation prepares for the election.
According to him, since there are expected security challenges in 2011 due to the transition activities, there is a need for synergy among all stakeholders such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), police, military, para-military organisations and political parties to ensure the success of the exercises.