By Ken Afor
The Department of State Services (DSS) has declared that it will take a firm stance against those who make contentious remarks which could endanger the gubernatorial elections in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo states.
Peter Afunanya, the spokesman for the secret police, declared that they have witnessed an increase in incendiary language from influential figures and representatives of non-governmental organizations in the country and abroad.
He stated that if the citizens of a nation, be it in the country or abroad, are promoting misinformation and falsehood when discussing the country’s development, it is not benefitting the nation at all.
“The Department of State Services (DSS) has observed 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 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 if its own citizens, whether at home or abroad, demarket or subvert her through misleading and false narratives,” Afunanya said in a statement he signed.
He added, “With the elections and the attendant contentions legally over, it is expected that we should forge ahead in nation building without rancour or acrimony.
“This is against the backdrop that reckless rhetoric has 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.
“Similarly, the Service urges 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.
“The aim is to avert situations likely to undermine the processes. So far, the Service has substantially liaised with INEC, sister security agencies and relevant NGOs to ensure hitch-free exercises in the affected states.
“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.”
He implored election observers, media members, as well as those from civil society organisations, to abstain from making comments that could lead to disruption of peace and harmony.
He cautioned that those who have chosen to participate in unlawful operations will be dealt with harshly.
His words: “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 recognise 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.”
The November 11 off-cycle elections will be held in three states including Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi.
Governors Duoye Diri of Bayelsa and Hope Uzodimma of Imo are running for reelection in their states.
Some of the top contenders in the November 11, 2023 poll in Kogi include Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP); Leke Abejide of the African Democratic Party (APC); Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who is an ex-Auditor General of Local Government in Kogi under Bello.
In Imo, Samuel Anyanwu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Athan Achonu of the Labour Party (LP) among others will compete with APC’s Uzodimma in the election, while in Bayelsa, APC’s Timipre Sylva and incumbent Diri, amongst others, will be on the voting list.
