The Department of State Services DSS has warned individuals or groups who may want to engage in illegitimate acts or conducts inimical to public order during this weekend’s elections in Imo Bayelsa and Kogi to think twice or be prepared to face the wrath of the law
The warning comes two days before elections in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi States,
This is even as the DSS said it has observed rising trends and patterns of comments by some personalities of influence and representatives of non-governmental entities within and outside the country.
According to the DSS, such statements run against public peace and harmony.
It, therefore, urged key political players and their supporters in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States to conform to the rules of engagement and specifically the electoral laws to avert situations likely to undermine the processes.
The warning is contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Department of State Services National Headquarters, Abuja Peter Afunanya,
Afunanya said the Service has substantially liaised with INEC, sister security agencies and relevant NGOs to ensure hitch-free exercises in the affected States.
Part of the statement read: “It is strongly believed that controversial pronouncements by certain persons will not only heat the polity but set the ground for deep-seethed animosities and divisions among the populace. Also, it serves the country no good if its citizens, whether at home or abroad, demarket or subvert her through misleading and false narratives.
“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.
“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.”
