The I-Nigerian Initiative has urged security agencies to remain professional, non-partisan and apolitical at all times, especially during the forthcoming general elections.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Ada Stella Apiafi, the I-Nigerian Initiative declared that Nigerians are the only ones who can ensure and guarantee peace, if they collectively refuse to allow themselves to be used to cause any violence or rancor during and even after the elections.

The I-Nigerian Initiative, which had hosted security agencies to interactive forum with the media on their activities, also lent its voice to the many calls on Nigerians to ensure peace during and after the general elections beginning today.

Apiafi also reminded the Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA) to adhere to its recent pledge that members will continue to ensure that press statements as well as official pronouncements of individual members as well as their organisations remain professional, non-partisan and apolitical at all times efficient and effective inter-agency collaboration.

She emphasised that our security agencies must appreciate their vital role in ensuring the safety of lives and property during the period of the elections.

“The role of our security operatives cannot be over-emphasised, because of their crucial assignment of keeping the peace in and around our borders where elections will be taking place,” she said.

While reiterating the need for voters to perform their civic responsibility of casting their votes for contestants of their choice, Ada Apiafi urged them to be vigilant at all times, and report suspicious movements and activities to appropriate law enforcement agents because security is the duty of every citizen.

She also urged all Nigerians to respect the outcome of the elections, as, whoever emerges as the winner, will be the President of Nigeria and of all Nigerians.

“While he may have won under a party platform, but he shall be President of Nigeria, and NOT president of any one section, political party, or ethnic affiliation.

“The position, and the person who occupies that ‘hallowed’ position, is not for the purpose of self-aggrandisement, selfish interest, party interests, religious interests, or sectional interests; but for our national and collective interests.”

She pleaded with all Nigerians to continue to pray for Nigeria..

“Despite our political differences, we must not forget that our country belongs to us, and it is our responsibility to make sure that our county remains as one, even after the elections.

“Let us also continue to pray for ourselves as Nigerians as God must have had His reasons for making us citizens of this great country; and we must all remember that the stability and greatness of our country are made possible by our collective will as a people,” she implored the electorate.

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