DSS Calls For Peace During Saturday’s Elections in Bayelsa, Kogi, Imo, States
Princess-Ekwi Ajide Abuja
Department of State Services (DSS) has asked political actors in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states to eschew bitterness and promote dialogue that contributes to the progress of the nation so as to build a stronger and more secure future for the country.
A statement by the Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Department of State Services, National Headquarters, Abuja, Dr. Peter Afunanya, observed rising trends and patterns of incendiary comments by some personalities of influence and representatives of non-governmental entities within and outside the country which run against public peace and harmony.
The statement encouraged citizens to be patriotic and recognise that loyalty and love to the nation should transcend individual or parochial interests, adding 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.
He opined that, it serves the country no good if its own citizens, whether at home or abroad, demarket or subvert her through misleading and false narratives, saying with the elections and the attendant contentions legally over, it is expected that all forge ahead in nation building without rancour or acrimony.
The statement further noted that it is against this backdrop that reckless rhetorics 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 service, therefore, urged key players and their supporters in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States to conform to the rules of engagement and specifically the electoral law during the 11th November, 2023 gubernatorial elections in the areas so as to avert situations likely to undermine the processes.
According to the statement, so far, the service has substantially liaised with INEC, sister security agencies and relevant NGOs to ensure hitch free exercises in the affected states and implored all stakeholders, irrespective of political affiliations or grievances, to engage in respectful and constructive conversations that promote collective understanding.
It noted that it has become imperative that public commentaries should shift towards unity and peace necessary for national development and security which should be shared responsibility and the priority of everyone.
The statement encouraged those on election duties, including the media and civil society, to avoid things that will inflame sentiments and cause a breakdown of law and order, maintaining that broadcast and monitoring activities should be devoid of manipulations.
It also enjoined stakeholders to note that politics should not be used to destroy the country or any part of it but, however, cautioned individuals or groups that may decide to engage in illegitimate acts or inimical conducts to public order that they will be decisively dealt with as dictated by the law as to be forewarned is to be forearmed.
