Nigerian governors concerned over arms and ammunition build up weeks to elections

• assured on collaboration with security agencies for credible polls

The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) at the end of a closed doors meeting with the National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno, in Abuja, have expressed concerns over the proliferation of arms and ammunition in the country ahead of the February 16th general election.

The Chairman of the forum and governor of Zamfara state, Abdul’aziz Yari, who briefed on the outcome of the meeting, said that the governors were also alarmed over the spate of kidnapping across the country.

Yari said the meeting which also had head of security agencies in attendance, Yari said the governors have recommended a stronger collaboration and intelligence sharing amongst security agencies to ensure that lives and properties are protected.

He disclosed that governors have also resolved to collaborate with security agencies to ensure that the elections are free, fair and credible.

The NGF chairman said: “Governors as major stakeholders, they (NSA and security agencies) seek our cooperation so that their job would be easier. We promised to do our best and ensure the election is free and credible. Not only that, we came through the ballot box and we are going through the same process to seek reelection and make sure that the election is free and is commended by the international community as they did in 2015.”

Yari shot down the allegation that Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was planning to rig the election, saying the president has promised that the  “election is not in any way do or die”.

The Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Muhammed Adamu, in his part reassured Nigerians of a violence free poll.

He assured further that the security agencies are ready for the election and would ensure that they mop up illegal arms in the system, while saying the neutrality of the police shouldn’t be in doubt.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno, called the meeting to update the governors on the security situation in the country as it heads to elections.

He had convened the meeting with the governors in order to get their buy in as regards the implementation of security measures for the smooth conduct of the elections.