Security Agencies Should Stop Scare-mongering – NCP Chairman, Tanko

Nigerian security agencies have been asked to desist from creating an atmosphere of fear in the polity and should instead look to carrying out their mandates effectively.

This advice was given on Friday by the national chairman of the National Conscience Party (NCP), Yunusa Tanko.

Tanko, who was reacting to the agencies’ claim that some groups have become threats to a smooth transition of power, expressed hope that the agencies are not raising a false alarm.

Speaking in an interview with Punch, Tanko said: “That is very unfortunate. I wouldn’t want to say unprofessional; I only hope they are not raising a false alarm as part of a gimmick to short-change Nigerians.

“Security people do a lot of things; I don’t think it is fair for them to send panic or create fear among Nigerians. They are in the government; they are trained and paid to protect us.

“They have the capacity to deal with threats if they know these individuals or groups and they have evidence. What is stopping them from apprehending them?

“It is completely unnecessary for our security officials to try to create a situation of panic. As ordinary citizens, we don’t have the information and capacity they have. If they are now throwing it back to us, what do they expect us to do?

“Who do we move to for protection? It is their duty to ensure that the election is free and fair and not to send fear into the hearts of Nigerians.”