FOSSRA Communiqué on Forthcoming Elections

This is a Communique issued at the end of meeting of FOSSRA in Abuja on the forthcoming general elections.

The Forum of the Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA), which has representatives from Military, Security, Intelligence and Response Agencies, held its monthly meeting on January 21, 2015 in Abuja.

Membership of the forum include spokespersons from 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 National Security 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 meeting deliberated upon, and reviewed recent and current developments relating to activities of the agencies involved, media contents and the forthcoming general elections.

Members resolved to 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 they stressed the need for efficient and effective inter-agency collaboration, they resolved not to be distracted by blackmail and intimidation in carrying out their statutory duties.

In a nutshell, FOSSRA wishes to:

1. Reassure 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;

2. Encourage security consciousness among the citizens by being vigilant

all the time;

3. Emphasise the need for the public to report suspicious movements, objects or suspects to relevant authorities;

4. Advise the media practitioners against undue sensationalism and unethical journalism;

5. Emphasise the need for media executives especially editors to ensure fairness, balance and objectivity on their platforms

6. Call on politicians to avoid making reckless statements and inciting comments;

7. Seek the cooperation of religious and community leaders in sensitizing their subjects and followers on the need to shun acts of violence and thuggery;

8. Pledge to support and work with INEC to ensure free, fair, credible and non-violent elections.

9. Implore Nigerians to strive always for the promotion of peaceful coexistence, tolerance, orderliness and brotherliness.

10. Reassure Nigerian of their readiness to remain neutral, non-partisan and professional before, during and after the conduct of the forthcoming general elections.

In conclusion, 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.

Major General Chris Olukolade                                                 Emmanuel Okeh

Chairman                                                                                          Secretary

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