The Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA) has pledged that it will remain professional, non-partisan and apolitical at all times, especially during the February general elections.
In a communiqué on its first meeting for 2015 held in Abuja on Wednesday and signed by Major Gen. Chris Olukolade and Emmanuel Okeh, Chairman and Secretary respectively, the forum said its members will continue to ensure that press statements as well as official pronouncements of individual members as well as their organisations remain professional, non-partisan and apolitical at all times. While stressing the need for efficient and effective inter-agency collaboration, members resolved not to be distracted by blackmail and intimidation in carrying out their statutory duties.
FOSSRA’s membership is drawn Defence Headquarters, Army, Airforce, Navy,Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Office of the NationalSecurity Adviser (NSA), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC),Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Prison Service (NPS), Federal Fire Service (FFS), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The forum reassured law abiding Nigerian citizens of the preparedness of the security agencies to ensure safety of their lives and property before ,during and after the forthcoming general elections while encouraging security consciousness among the citizens by being vigilant all the time. It also emphasised the need for the public to report suspicious movements, objects or suspects to relevant authorities.
Concerning media practitioners, FOSSRA cautioned against undue sensationalism and unethical journalism and emphasised the need for media executives especially editors to ensure fairness, balance and objectivity on their platforms.
The spokespersons who called on politicians to avoid making reckless statements and inciting comments, called for the cooperation of religious and community leaders in sensitizing their subjects and followers on the need to shun acts of violence and thuggery and pledge to support and work with INEC to ensure free, fair, credible and non-violent elections. Also in the communiqué, was an appeal to Nigerians to strive always for the promotion of peaceful coexistence, tolerance, orderliness and brotherliness. They reassure Nigerians of their readiness to remain neutral ,non-partisan and professional before, during and after the conduct of the forthcoming general elections. In conclusion, members explained that “it is necessary to point out that all security agencies are currently undergoing training,monitoring and mobilizing required logistics to guarantee a peaceful and successful general election.”
