With barely eight weeks to the 2023 presidential elections, President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, warned security agencies to eschew behaviours that could compromise the democratic process.
He said those involved in handling sensitive election materials must uphold a high sense of professionalism in discharging their duties.
According to a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari said this when he inaugurated the Defence Intelligence Agency’s newly acquired Estate in Idu-Karmo, Abuja.
The statement is titled ‘2023 polls: President Buhari charges security agencies to maintain professionalism in handling, distribution of classified materials’.
The President urged the agencies to handle the distribution and monitoring of classified materials and other logistics ‘‘professionally and in accordance with Standing Operation Procedures.’’
Reiterating his earlier directive to security agencies to remain apolitical, the President said they must desist from behaviour that could bring disrepute to their organisations and the country ‘‘by compromising the democratic process.’’
On the newly acquired DIA Estate, the President said the befitting accommodation would enhance productivity and coordination of activities of staff of the Agency in view of increasing number of personnel to face new challenges and responsibilities.
However, he warned that the facility would not live up to its envisaged benefits without diligent maintenance.
”The significance of today’s occasion can be better understood by making the connection between shelter and productivity.
”I am confident that these new premises will yield enormous shelter dividends to the Defence Intelligence Agency staff, their families and to the host locality.
”The acquisition of this accommodation is a great leap forward, but the envisaged benefits would be aborted without diligent maintenance,’’ he said.
Therefore, Buhari urged the new occupants to ensure the sustenance of the high standard of the facility.
