The Department of State Security, DSS, has threatened to arrest and
prosecute anyone bent on causing chaos during and after the 2019 General
elections, warning that fake news peddlers would also not be spared.
A statement signed by Peter Afunaya, spokesman of DSS, said while the
secret police is determined to provide adequate security throughout the
election period, it would not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law
on anyone who attempts to derail the peaceful process of the elections.
Below is the full statement sent to Pointblanknews.com
DSS COMMITS TO PROVISION OF ADEQUATE SECURITY THROUGHOUT THE ELECTORAL
PROCESS
As Nigerians go to the polls to elect their leaders at the national and
state levels, the Department of State Services (DSS) enjoins all
stakeholders – politicians, citizens, voters, observers, electoral
officers, the media, Civil Society Organizations and security operatives
to be law abiding and observe the rules of engagement as doing so is
germane to the success of the exercise. The Service commits itself to the
provision of adequate security throughout the period of the electoral
process.
2. Politicians and the youth are expected to shun all acts of violence the
same way observers are urged to keep to the fundamentals and principles of
election monitoring as allowed by law and global best practice. Without
doubt, the Electoral Act is clear on the roles of stakeholders. The common
aim of all and sundry should be for Nigeria to hold successful elections
that will be adjudged free, fair, transparent and credible and accepted
nationally and internationally. Everyone is urged to conduct themselves
properly before, during and after the elections and avoid actions that may
cause breakdown of law and order.
3. On its part, the DSS will professionally discharge its statutory
mandate which, among others, is to detect and prevent threats and crimes
against the internal security of Nigeria. Also, it will appropriately
engage stakeholders. This is for the protection and success of the
elections. Therefore, ensuring security that will make the electoral
process noble and acceptable to participants and their supporters is
uppermost to the Service. In this regard, the Service is determined to
identify and arrest criminals and their collaborators whose activities are
counter to the national objective of achieving peaceful and orderly
elections.
4. Similarly, the Service will not condone fake news, incendiary or hate
speeches designed to whip up dangerous ethnic, religious and/or political
sentiments capable of stoking the embers of violence. Consequently,
prospective law breakers are forewarned to steer clear of acts capable of
undermining national security and stability. The Service will, however,
not stand idly and watch miscreants and mischief makers bring avoidable
chaos and disorder upon the nation.
5. Furthermore, the public is implored to support security agencies and
the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to undertake violence
free elections. In the same vein, law abiding citizens and residents are
entreated to timely avail these agencies information regarding suspected
thuggery, theft of electoral materials, violence of any dimensions and
other plans that will bring our democratic journey to question.
6.Once again, the DSS encourages all citizens to responsibly exercise
their civic duties without fear as security measures have been put in
place for the safety of lives and property. However, Nigerians and,
indeed, residents are advised to be vigilant and promptly report, to
security and law enforcement agencies nearest to them for deserved
interventions, unusual activities or movements likely to undermine the
elections. For the avoidance of doubt, the following telephone lines and
e-mail address (07055655591; 09030002189 and dsspr@dss.gov.ng) can be used
to reach the Service during the period under reference.
Peter AFUNANYA
Public Relations Officer,
Department of State Services,
National Headquarters,
Abuja
11th February, 2019