FG reiterates resolve to prosecute electoral offenders

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd) on Friday, reiterated that the Federal Government was working to ensure that electoral offenders do not go unpunished.

Monguno stated this while delivering a lecture at the day-two of the 18th All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) 2022 in Owerri.

Monguno, who was represented by the Head of Strategic Communications, Office of the National Security Adviser, Mr Zakari Usman, spoke on “2023 General Election and Security: What Editors need to know”.

“It is important to note that one of the major threats to security is electoral violence which berths national security.

“We are continuously addressing the security risk from fake news and hate speech and through collaborative efforts.

“The government is working with social media companies to ensure the safety of the 2023 general elections,” he said.

Monguno listed eight categories of electoral violence to include party on party electoral violence; party on voter electoral violence; party on state electoral violence and; voter on voter electoral violence.

Others are voter on state electoral violence; state on voter electoral violence; state on party electoral violence and; state on state electoral violence.

However, he said ensuring security during elections was not the sole responsibility of enforcement agencies alone.

While stating that security and the media hardly agree on what constitutes national security, he urged the media to report their news without amplifying the agenda of detractors sponsoring political insecurity.

“Critical stakeholders in the electoral process including the press must discharge their duties effectively and efficiently in ensuring security during the elections,” he stressed.

The NSA urged the media to be collaborators with the government on issues of national interest by balancing their reports and promoting national unity and cohesion in their reportage.

Monguno, who further urged the media to put in place fact checking system to contend with fake news by citizen journalists, expressed worry over inciting statements by state and non-state actors.

He therefore, urged the media to take proactive measures to address the proliferation of fake news.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the theme of the conference “2023: Political Landscape, Credible Elections and the Role of Editors”.