The National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj-Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd), yesterday warned state governors using thugs to prevent the opposition from mounting campaign materials in their domains that security agencies will soon descend on them.

The NSA gave the warning when he appeared at the Ministerial Media Briefing organised by the Presidential Communications Team at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

He also said that the security agencies have been given instructions to give those burning government facilities like the offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the treatment they deserve.

The NSA said when law enforcement agencies move, there will be no hiding place for the perpetrators.

Monguno, who was reacting to reports of state governors implementing policies that prevent the presence of opposition campaign materials in their states, blamed the action on what he called an inferiority complex.

He further said that politicians hiring thugs do not believe in themselves, warning that any person that engages in any unpalatable activity would be dealt with.

While cautioning the governors to restrain their thugs, he said that President Muhammadu Buhari has given clear directives that the 2023 election must be free, fair, and credible.

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The NSA warned the governors to “call their Capo regime to order because when we move, there will be no hiding place.”

Fielding question on why state governors are not allowing opposition political parties to campaign in their states and even pull down their campaign posters, the NSA said:

“Well, it’s not something that new to us, it’s been like that going back to 1999. And if you want, you can see going all the way back even to the Second Republic, probably the first republic.

“We had a press briefing with the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission Election Commission about a week ago, and we emphasized the need for everybody to operate on a level playing field.

“One thing I can assure you is the President has given clear directives the people’s will must prevail. What happened in Anambra is shown and acuity is what we want to happen all over the country. Let the people choose their leader, whoever they want, then later they can decide but in the process of selecting who governs them.

“We must be mindful of the fact that there are people who are hell-bent on forcing or bullying and cornering their opponents is not even a function of you know, numbers or function of money.

“It’s a big problem. It’s a problem that’s also linked with a complex because if you are really who you are, you don’t need to hire thugs. If you cannot restrain your thugs, the government will do that for you. And you will call on the cabinet and you will answer questions.

“We have a lot of politicians and I’m not being specific about any politician or part of this virus has to be contained. I have given a clear warning during the press conference that any politician who engages in any activity and unpalatable activity, the use of tags and I know we have a lot of thugs, political thugs, straining at the leash foaming at the mouth, desperate to buy blood.

“But we’re going to apply everything within the powers of the government. And I’m not saying that we’re going to just operate in a manner that is not regulated by the government is not going to embark on anything that is you know, uncontrolled, we will operate on the straight and narrow confining ourselves to legality that I can assure you the President’s illness directives. And we’re working on that.

“So those elements who think they can deny other people the air to breathe the political air to breathe and reach out to the local community. So they have another thing and I’ve said it before, and I’m seeing it again.

“These political elements should call the thugs that capo regimes to order. They should have a nice quiet fireside chat with them, and advise them that when the law enforcement agencies come they’ll be dealt with.”