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“Ordinarily, moving around with huge amount of cash on a normal day will make you a security target, how much more on election day? Thankfully, with the CBN policy that has restricted cash flow, it will be few and far between to see the peculiar rampancy of people moving around with cash from one polling unit to another. However, if you have a plan to move around with huge amount of cash during the election for whatever purpose you have for it, you are forewarned to avoid such risky adventure.”
As we speedily inch to one of the most crucial elections in the annals of the country, it is imperative we don’t lose sight of the sensitivities that comes with it.
For a longer time than recent, a larger number of Nigerians are more interested in the forthcoming election, consequently speaking volumes to how significant it is.
Incontrovertibly, no two elections is the same. They all come with their different dynamics, perks and nuances. And it is expected that the forthcoming one will bring its own spark, narrative and colour. How we prepare for that, handle that, and recoil from it, especially from a security perspective is what should be on the front burner as we approach the D-Day.
In less than 11 days, the general election will be right before us to have electorates make their choices. It will be unwise to prepare for this D-Day without tips on how to be secured during this highly sensitive time. In the light of that, here are some security advisory tips to protect yourself and loved ones before, during and after the election:
Avoid Keeping Late Night
Apart from this being a regular security tip, it attains a higher level of importance in an electoral season. Late night activities should be avoided at this time, by all means, for security purpose.
Stay glued to the news
If there is ever a time information is gold, it is now. Where to go, where to avoid, what is happening where, what to do, who is saying what: these are valuable information you need to know at this time. If you ignore, you do that at your own peril.
Avoid arguing politics in public
The atmosphere is tense, and you never can tell what level of emotional intelligence the other person is at. So arguing about politics and projecting your sentiment at this time should be avoided. Keep your opinions to yourself and do your talking with your vote.
Don’t disclose your preferred candidate
To avoid unnecessary attention and hate, it is important you keep to yourself who you would be voting for. Avoid the urge to brag or pontificate about the party or the candidate. That information should be private, lest you draw avoidable attention to yourself.
Go home after casting your votes
For security purpose, the moment you are done casting your vote, you have no other cogent reason to hang around in the polling unit. It is to your advantage you go back home, and expect the result of the election in comfort and safety.
Avoid putting on political campaign clothings or insignias to polling unit
Again, it is important no one perceive which party or candidate you are supporting before and during an election. Some people are fond of inviting unnecessary duress to themselves by going the length of donning caps, shirts and wristbands of their preferred party and candidate, even to the polling unit. This is security unwise and to protect yourself from being a security target, avoid such promotional clothings and insignias hereon.
Avoid moving around with huge amount of cash
Ordinarily, moving around with huge amount of cash on a normal day will make you a security target, how much more on election day? Thankfully, with the CBN policy that has restricted cash flow, it will be few and far between to see the peculiar rampancy of people moving around with cash from one polling unit to another. However, if you have a plan to move around with huge amount of cash during the election for whatever purpose you have for it, you are forewarned to avoid such risky adventure.
Job 11:18
And you will feel secure, because there is hope; you will look around and take your rest in security.
You could also pick up my book or enroll for my course on Leadership Communication to learn more about keeping safe with words and actions during this period.
Professor Ofonime Emmanuel Bassey is a Security, Peace and Conflict Resolution coach with decades of experience in the practice and promotion of Law Enforcement, Peace and Security through the Nigeria Police and the United Nations.
He is a professor in Leadership, Peace and Conflict Resolution, a certified United Nation’s Trainer, and currently the Director of ICOF Institute of Leadership, Peace and Conflict Resolution in Africa.
Prof. Bassey has served and interacted at the top-level management of the Nigeria Police as well as internationally as a United Nation’s Monitor/Mentor in Kosovo, Europe.
With his marks well-established in Peace Leadership both in Nigeria and Africa, he is currently the President, NISSI Safety Management Institute: An Institute of Peace Leadership.
To his many humanitarian acts, he currently spearheads a campaign tagged “The Next Peace Leaders” billed to run from 2022-2023 with a target of training 37,000 young peace leaders.
For peace and security tips, consultations and trainings, reach him via:
Facebook: Dr. O.E Bassey
LinkedIn: Dr. O.E Bassey
Twitter: Dr. O.E Bassey
WhatsApp: +2347065828892
Mail: EmmanuelBassey@gmail.com
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