On March 18, Nigerians will vote in a governorship election that will again test the credibility of the electoral body. While Nigerians prepare to pick their governors and state lawmakers, the Department of State Services (DSS) is asking Nigerians to maintain peace in the process.
It is an election earlier scheduled for March 11, but circumstances beyond the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have forced them to shift the election to March 18.
According to INEC, the gubernatorial and State House of Assembly elections were postponed to allow enough time for the reconfiguration of the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS).
But most states in Nigeria has insecurity issues that have refused to go away. This is making the DSS issue the request.
The security agency says there are “orchestrated plans” by some persons to cause a total breakdown of law and order and disrupt the elections.
DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, warns the individuals or groups no matter how highly placed they are to abort such plans.
The secret service also cautioned political players to be law-abiding, as Nigerians head to the polls for the governorship and State House of Assembly elections.
Not A Do-or-die Affair
Also, voters are advised 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”, DSS said.
The DSS said it is committed to the safety and security of citizens who may wish to go out to exercise their civic responsibility.
In this regard, the DSS in collaboration with sister agencies, carried out mop-up operations to thwart nefarious plans and activities of undesirable elements to out rightly undermine the electoral processes.
“For hitch-free Gubernatorial and State Assembly elections, the service has partnered with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the required peace is maintained before, during, and after the exercises.
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“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.
“All and sundry are, therefore, enjoined to abide by the rules of engagement particularly the Electoral Act and extant guidelines”, Mr Afunanya said.
DSS On Social Media
Recently, the DSS revealed its presence on Social media with the creation of new accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
According to the security service, the creation of the accounts will enhance public and stakeholder engagement in its operations.
Also, the DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, listed the handles as @OfficialDSSNG (Twitter), OfficialDSSNG (Facebook) and @dss.gov.ng (Instagram).
Indeed, most Nigerians have welcomed the development, saying it will restore sanity on the platform and also reduce the spread of fake news.
Many others have questioned the timing and wondered if the freedom of citizens won’t be trampled upon on social media.
