The Department of State Services (DSS) has emphasized the importance of a peaceful electoral process and urged for violence-free conduct during the Saturday bye-elections.
Across 26 states of the country, the Independent National Electoral Commission is gearing up to conduct elections, filling various vacant political seats.
Ebonyi, Yobe, Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau, and Akwa Ibom are the states where various vacant political seats will be contested.
The list extends to include Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Katsina, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, and Zamfara, where various political seats will be contested.
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Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications for the Department of State Services (DSS), Peter Afunanya, stressed the importance of maintaining order in a Friday statement, urging both the electorate and political parties to avoid actions that may lead to a disruption of law and order.
“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.
Ensuring the people of collaboration with INEC and other security agencies, the statement also served as a warning to the media, civil organizations, and public commentators, urging them to avoid divisive tendencies or narratives that might undermine the country’s peace.
“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, nonetheless, asserted its readiness to take decisive legal action against anyone found at fault, ensuring they face the full consequences of the law.