Security Chiefs have uncovered plans by some groups to disrupt the processes leading to the 2019 elections in order to create a stalemate and ultimately throw the nation into chaos. They warned the media against the activities of some unregistered groups that had lately been active in trying to undermine critical institutions such the law-enforcement agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, said the security chieftains made this known at an interactive meeting with owners and decision makers in the media industry.
He disclosed that the meeting which was held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja on Tuesday, was addressed by the Directors-General of the Department of State Services, Mr. Lawal Daura , and his counterpart in National Intelligence Agency, Mr. Ahmed Rufa’I as well as the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin.
The security heads, however, assured that security situation in the country was within the control of the government but could be helped where the media reduced sensation from their daily coverage.
The statement read in part;
"In their own assessment our state of national security is not as bad as it is painted by the media. In seeking the support from the media towards the achievement of security for everyone, the heads of the agencies emphasized that sharing and coordination among security agencies and the media is essential to counter the ever-changing threats faced by the nation.’’
Speaking on the recent scandal that rocked the NIA, its Director-General, Ahmed Rufa’I, said such developments were not peculiar to the Agency.
“Similar institutions across the world have passed through this phase. What is, however, important is for the right lessons to be learnt from these developments. I see these challenges as impetus to reposition the Agency for effective service delivery in realization of its core mandate, as a critical component of our National Security Architecture."
Rufa'I appealed for media support to enable the agency to reform and remain focused on tackling the challenges of international nature facing the nation which included terrorism and violent extremism manifested in activities of Boko Haram (BH), ISIS, AQIM, Al Shabaab, Al Qaeda, Ansaru, among others.
He assured that his agency would henceforth accord much attention toward addressing the challenges of financial Crimes, identification of financial resources and properties suspected to be obtained by corrupt means belonging to Nigerians especially Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs). (NAN)
