The Department of State Services (DSS) has raised alarm over plans by some persons to cause a total breakdown of law and order in the country shortly after the 11th March, 2023 Gubernatorial and State Assembly Elections.
The Service in a signed statement by it’s spokesman,Dr Peter Afunanya also warned of unnecessary palpable political tension in parts of the country prior to the elections.
“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, Afunanya said.
While urging politicians and their supporters to engage constructively, the DSS admonished the need to shun fake news, hate speech and such other utterances that may be inimical to peaceful co-existence.
” Election should not be seen as a do or die affair. There is no basis for anyone to take laws into their hands. This is even more so that aggrieved persons can take advantage of our courts and seek redress. We should have faith in our institutions”.
Afunanya added that the Service remained committed to providing conducive environment for a peaceful exercise. 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.
He said the DSS will partner with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the required peace is maintained before, during and after the Governorship and State Assembly Elections.
“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 Service also called for strict adherence to the rules of engagement particularly the Electoral Act and extant guidelines.
