The Federal Government yesterday disclosed that terrorists had perfected plans to attack polling booths in the forthcoming general elections. Consequently, the government, through the National Orientation Agency, NOA, said it would soon mobilise at least 10 million signatures for peace, using its structures at the 774 local government areas.
The Coordinator, National Information Centre, NIC, Mr. Mike Omeri, stated this during a routine security briefing in Abuja. He said the insurgents had planned to steal or buy Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, of female voters to deceive the electorate on their evil intention. Omeri, therefore, urged Nigerians to remain vigilant before, during and after the general elections.
“Recent intelligence reports indicate that some unscrupulous Nigerians have perfected plans to surreptitiously collect, buy or steal the Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, of female voters, hand over same to female suicide bombers and create access for them into polling centres where they will detonate bombs and kill unsuspecting voters.
“By this information, therefore, Nigerians, especially female voters, are warned to remain vigilant and also jealously guard and preserve their PVCs to avoid the possibility of their being lost to these bad elements,” he said.
Speaking at a separate press conference on the need for a peaceful election, Omeri, who is also the NOA Director- General, maintained that the agency was partnering with corporate bodies, individuals and the civil groups to sensitise people on the need to do the right thing.
According to him, the campaign becomes imperative in view of reports received by the agency from its 36 states offices.
He noted that the reports “indicate palpable fear of the possibility of violence, regardless of the outcome of the 2015 general elections. “Equally reaching us are reports of families moving to places they consider safe while others are stocking up on food and basic essentials in anticipation.
“This has led to the need for an urgent introduction of persuasive positive narrative of violence- free pre- and post-elections outcome, which is key and an essential strategy to encourage non-violence within the period and thereafter.
“In view of the foregoing, the NOA and its partners have designed a comprehensive and strategic, Peace Messaging Campaign tagged; “Do the Right Thing #Wagepeace2015.”
