Lagos – The President of the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria, CRAN, Olalekan Olabulo Thursday expressed great concerns over the spate of insecurity ahead of the 2023 general elections, which can scuttle the process if not tackle.
Olabulo who emphasized this during the association’s 31st edition of the Annual Lecture/Awards in Ikeja, said the only thing that can stop the election is insecurity.
According to him, “Our economic challenge will only determine the choice of the candidates and parties to be voted for but insecurity can stop the election from taking place”.
He said the effect of the 2020 #EndSARS protest which include increasing brazen attacks on law enforcement agents, attack on correctional facilities and destruction of public properties are threats to the forthcoming elections.
The CRAN President, however, commended the security agencies for their efforts in securing the lives and properties of Nigerians despite the challenges.
Olabulo also urged the security agencies to harmoniously with private security practitioners for a better result.
Meanwhile, the Chairman, Cornfied Group of Companies, Dr. Babatope Agbeyo expressed that deployment of technology and positive role of the youth, will make the problem of ballot box snatching during the polls very difficult.
Speaking on the topic: Insecurity: Tackling the Dark Cloud Over Nigeria’s Unity, Prosperity Ahead of the 2023 General Elections, Dr Agbeyo who is the Chairman of the event expressed optimism that the elections will hold as scheduled.
His words: “The deployment of technology would make the problem of ballot box snatching during the polls very difficult. The 2023 elections will see a surge in many enlightened Nigerian youths participating fully in the electoral process.”
He noted that what the youths want is the unity of Nigeria and development, adding that election is a means to growth and unity.
Dr Agbeyo, however, expressed worries that problems might arise if an elected person fails to fulfil his electoral promises.
He also tasked media practitioners not to announce unverified election results before the Independent National Electoral Commission, adding that they should not aid those who want to disrupt the polls.
Among the awardees are; Dr Babatope Agbeyo Chairman, Cornfield Group of Company, IGP Usman Baba, Governor Hope Uzodima of Imo State, AIG Zone2, Bode Adeleke, CP Abiodun Alabi Lagos Police Commissioner, DSP Edafe Bright Delta PPRO and Immediate Past President CRAN Odita Sunday.
Others are Commandant Ewaka Okoro Lagos NSCDC, SP Benjamin Hundeyin Lagos PPRO, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi FPRO. Comptroller Ali Ibrahim, Former General Manager LASEMA, Adesina Tiamiyu, CSP Joseph Egwuowu, MFM General Overseer, Daniel Olukoya, LASTMA Officer, Akinwunmiju Michael, CSP Tolani Lamina DPO, CSP Onyinye Onwuaegbu DPO, among others.
