The Department of State Services (DSS) has warned politicians to desist from peddling “hate speech” and all forms of “false narratives” to ignite violence or pit citizens against the President Muhammadu Buhari government or the incoming administration of the President-Elect, Bola Tinubu.
In a statement on Saturday, DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, said violence will consume politicians inciting the breakdown of law and order.
The secret police warning followed a petition by the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Festus Keyamo that the DSS invite the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi; and his running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, over their rejection of Tinubu as the President-Elect.
Afunanya alerted the public of plans to violently disrupt the peace in the country and warned those “desperate to cause a breakdown of law and order to desist from that”.
“It would be recalled that the Service had earlier advised political players to abide by the rules of engagement as well as approach the courts for redress, if and where there are suspicions of infractions on extant electoral laws,” the statement partly read.
“It is evident that some aggrieved politicians are already taking advantage of this legal process. This, without doubt, is the beauty of democracy. It is strongly believed that this approach enhances peace and security. All and sundry should cherish it.
“Be that as it may, the DSS will not tolerate a situation where persons and/or groups take laws into their hands and champion anarchy. Those peddling fake news, hate speech and all forms of false narratives as basis to ignite violence or pit the people against the present or incoming administrations, at the Federal, State and Parliamentary levels, should stop forthwith.
“Those inciting violence have nothing to gain as doing so will not only consume them but also the innocent. It is otherwise disturbing to see respected personalities use their platforms to mislead or incite citizens. This, to say the least, does not augur well for peaceful coexistence and general order.
“Therefore, the Service will continue to take necessary measures to checkmate these elements who do not wish the country well. This is to ensure that the conducive environment is provided for citizens and residents to pursue their legitimate businesses. A stitch in time, they say, saves nine. Let all be guided.”
