The Department of State Services (DSS) has cautioned key political actors and their supporters in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States to conform to the rules of engagement and specifically the electoral law during the conduct of Saturday’s gubernatorial elections.
Director, Public Relations and Strategy, of the DSS, Dr Peter Afunanya, gave the advice in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja. Afunanya explained the warning had become necessary in order to avert situations likely to undermine the electoral processes.
He disclosed that so far, the Service had substantially liaised with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), sister security agencies and relevant civil society organisations to ensure a hitch free exercises in the three states.
“The Service, therefore, implores all stakeholders, irrespective of their political affiliations or grievances, to engage in respectful and constructive conversations that promote collective understanding.
“It has thus become imperative that public commentaries should shift towards unity and peace necessary for national development and security. This should be our shared responsibility and indeed the priority of everyone.
“Those on election duties, including the media and civil society, are encouraged to avoid things that will inflame sentiments and cause a breakdown of law and order. Broadcast and monitoring activities should be devoid of manipulations. Stakeholders are enjoined to note that politics should not be used to destroy the country or any part of it.
“However, individuals or groups that may decide to engage in illegitimate acts or inimical conducts to public order will be decisively dealt with as dictated by the law.
“Consequently, citizens are encouraged to be patriotic as well as recognise that our loyalty and love to the nation should transcend individual or parochial interests.
“Everyone is called upon to eschew bitterness and promote dialogue that contributes to the progress of the nation. Together, we can build a stronger and more secure future for our beloved country,” he said.
Afunanya expressed concern over what he described as rising trends of incendiary comments by some personalities and groups since the end of the general elections. He noted that with the elections and the attendant contentions legally over, it is expected that everyone should forge ahead in nation building without rancour or acrimony.
The DSS, he said, would deal decisively with those involved in making inflammatory remarks capable of destroying the country. The Service also, warned Nigerian citizens whether at home or abroad, whose intentions are to demarket or subvert Nigeria through misleading and false narratives to desist from such acts.
“The Department of State Services, DSS, has observed rising trends and patterns of incendiary comments by some personalities of influence and representatives of non-governmental entities within and outside the country. Such statements run against public peace and harmony.
“It is strongly believed that a resort to acerbic pronouncements by certain persons will not only heat-up the polity but set the ground for deep-seated animosities and divisions among the populace,” the statement read.
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