In the build-up to the November 11, 2023 elections scheduled to hold in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states, the Department of State Services (DSS) has released a statement on its official X (Twitter page) on Thursday. The statement was signed by Peter Afunanya, the DSS Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications and titled, ‘DSS Cautions Against Inflammatory Statements-Calls for Peace During the Elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States’.
The statement reads, “The Department of State Services (DSS) has observed the 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 the 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.
“Also, it serves the country no good of its own citizens, whether at home or abroad, demarket or subvert her through misleading and false narratives.
“With the elections and the attendant contentions legally over, it is expected that we should forge ahead in nation building without rancor or acrimony. This is against the backdrop that reckless rhetoric have the capacity to lead to social unrest and instability, which can put the country’s well-being and the general safety of citizens at risk.”
The statement urged key players and their supporters in the 3 states to rules of engagement and the electoral law during the upcoming gubernatorial elections, with the view of averting incidents likely to undermine the electoral processes and added that the Service is working with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), other security agencies and key NGO’s to ensure a smooth election exercise in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states.
According to the statement, “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. Forewarned is forearmed.
“Consequently, citizens are encouraged to be patriotic as well as recognize 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.”