DSS warns troublemakers ahead of bye-elections

The Department of State Services has called for violence-free conduct during Saturday’s bye-elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission will conduct elections to fill various vacant political seats in 26 states of the country.

The states are Ebonyi, Yobe, Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau, and Akwa Ibom.

Others are Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Katsina, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, and Zamfara.

The DSS in a statement on Friday by its Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications,  Peter Afunanya, urged the electorate and political parties to avoid any actions that could cause a breakdown of law and order.

“The service wishes to call on the electorate and participating political parties in the 3rd February, 2024 re-run and bye-elections to be of good conduct during and after the exercises in the affected states.

“In this regard, the Service tasks the contending parties to shun all acts capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.

“Also, politicians and their supporters must strive to adhere to the electoral act and procedure,” the statement read in part.

While assuring the people of the service’s cooperation with other stakeholders including INEC and other security agencies to ensure an itch-free exercise, the statement also warned the media, civil organisations, and public commentators against divisive tendencies or narratives that could undermine the peace of the country.

“Similarly, the media, civil society, and community-based organisations are encouraged to shun divisive tendencies and fake narratives likely to undermine national order.

“It is unarguable that it is only if there is a livable country that individuals, groups or corporate bodies can pursue and realise their legitimate businesses and ambitions,” the statement added

The service, however, said it would not hesitate to bring anyone found wanting to face the full wrath of the law.