CALLS FOR PEACEFUL NARRATIVES BEFORE, DURING, AFTER ELECTIONS
By Bilkisu Adejoh
Ahead of the three off-cycle governorship elections in the country, the Department of State Service DSS has warned parties and supporters to guard their utterances and avoid inflammatory comments that can undermine free, fair, and credible elections in the state.
A statement by the Director of the DSS Public Relations and Strategic Communications Dr. Peter Afunanya, on the 9th of November 2023 said it has observed the trend of inflammatory comments by some people, adding that such action could lead to disunity and violence.
He therefore, tasked individuals against making inflammatory statements and false narratives that can run against public peace and harmony and 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.
The Service, therefore, implores all stakeholders, irrespective of their political affiliations or grievances, to engage in respectful and constructive conversations that promote collective understanding. Thus, public commentaries must shift towards unity and peace necessary for national development and security.
This should be our shared responsibility and indeed the priority of everyone.
The service has substantially liaised with INEC, sister security agencies, and relevant NGOs to ensure hitch-free exercises in the affected States. The statement ended.