As Nigeria approaches the 25th February 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections in less than 72Hours, it is crucial that Nigerians become more security conscious. The election period is often marked by heightened tensions, and the possibility of violence is always present. Therefore, it is imperative that everyone does their part in ensuring that the country remains peaceful and secure during this time.
The importance of security consciousness cannot be overemphasized, especially in a country like Nigeria, where the security situation has been a major concern in recent times. The government has been grappling with issues of insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, unknown Gunmen killings and other forms of violent crimes, which have led to loss of lives and property. The election period is a time when these security challenges tend to escalate, as politicians and their supporters engage in activities that could threaten the peace and stability of the country.
One of the ways Nigerians can be security conscious is by being alert and vigilant. Everyone has a role to play in ensuring that the country remains safe and secure. People should report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities, and also be mindful of their surroundings. This is particularly important for those who live in areas that are prone to violence or have a history of election-related violence.
Another way Nigerians can be security conscious is by participating actively in the electoral process.
This is important because the more people participate in the electoral process, the less likely it is for violence to occur. Also, citizens should ensure that they only vote for candidates who have a track record of promoting peace and unity, and shun politicians who are known for inciting violence.
Furthermore, Nigerians can be security conscious by educating themselves on the electoral process and their rights. This includes knowing what the law says about election-related offenses, such as vote buying, ballot stuffing, and voter intimidation. Citizens should also be aware of their rights to vote without being harassed or intimidated by anyone, and should be ready to report any violations of their rights to the appropriate authorities.
In addition, the media has a crucial role to play in promoting security consciousness during the election period. The media should be responsible in their reportage and avoid sensationalism, which could incite violence. They should also provide accurate and timely information to the public about the election process, including updates on the security situation in different parts of the country.
Finally, the government has the primary responsibility for ensuring that the country remains secure during the election period. This includes providing adequate security for voters and candidates, especially in areas that are prone to violence. The government should also ensure that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is adequately funded and equipped to conduct a free, fair, and credible election.
To this end, as Nigeria approaches the 25th February 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections in less than 72 Hours it is important that everyone becomes more security conscious. Nigerians must be alert and vigilant, participate actively in the electoral process, educate themselves on their rights, and support the media in promoting responsible reportage. The government also has a critical role to play in ensuring that the country remains peaceful and secure during the election period. By working together, we can ensure that the 2023 elections are free, fair, and peaceful, and that Nigeria remains a stable and prosperous country.
