Peter Okoye, PBA Journalism Mentee
The Department of State Services (DSS), has revealed that there is hidden agenda to cause a total breakdown of law and order in the country.
The secret police stated that the plot was scheduled for execution after the governorship and state assembly elections.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya disclosed this in a statement released on Wednesday. He warned those who are planning to cause unnecessary political tension in the country to desist from that.
The service urged people to shun fake news and hate speeches that instigate violence, adding that political actors should not see elections as “a do-or-die affair.”
The statement read: “It is observed that some of the players are at daggers drawn with one another. The development holds dire consequences for national peace and stability. It is given these that the Service warns politicians and their supporters to engage constructively.
“Everyone is advised to shun fake news, hate speech and such other utterances that may be inimical to peaceful co-existence. The election should not be seen as a do-or-die affair. There is no basis for anyone to take laws into their hands.”
The DSS spokesperson further stated that it is better for persons aggrieved with the outcome of elections to seek redress in court, rather than taking laws into their hands by engaging in violence that breaks down law and order.
“This is even more so that aggrieved persons can take advantage of our courts and seek redress. We should have faith in our institutions. Over this election period, the Service has remained committed to providing a conducive environment for a peaceful exercise of taking laws into their hands.
“In this regard, it separately and in collaboration with sister agencies, carried out mop-up operations to thwart nefarious plans and activities of undesirable elements to outrightly undermine the electoral processes.
“For hitch-free gubernatorial and State Assembly elections, the Service has partnered with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the required peace is maintained before, during and after the exercises.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Service will work to make sure that no person or group, no matter how highly placed, disrupts the scheduled elections in any part of the Federation. It is committed to the safety and security of citizens who may wish to go out to exercise their civic responsibility.”
The DSS, however, called on all Nigerians to abide by the rules of the Electoral Act and its guidelines for peaceful elections.
