President Goodluck Jonathan has assured Nigerians that all necessary steps have been taken to ensure the safety of Nigerians as they discharge their civic responsibilities.
In a nationwide broadcast Friday morning, President Jonathan also warned that government will not tolerate any attempt by any individual or group to take laws in to their hands as security agencies have been directed to ensure peace before, during and after the elections.
“Let me warn, however, that as President, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, I am under oath to protect the lives of all Nigerians and the security of our country at all times. I will never abdicate my responsibilities in that regard.
“Democracy allows dissent. It encourages differences and even fervent disagreements. But elections must never be mistaken for war or an opportunity to set fellow citizens against each other and tear our beloved nation apart.
“Those who may harbor any intentions of testing our will by unleashing violence during the elections in order to advance their political ambitions should think again as all necessary measures have been put in place to ensure that any persons who breach the peace or cause public disorder during or after the elections are speedily apprehended and summarily dealt with according to our laws.
“The nation’s security agencies are also fully prepared and ready to deal decisively with any group or persons who attempt to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the elections or cause any form of public disorder” he said.
