Ahead of the off-circle elections in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi States, the Department of State Services (DSS) has warned that individuals or groups who may decide to engage in illegitimate acts or conducts inimical to public order, will be decisively dealt with as dictated by the law.
This is even as the Service said it has observed rising trends and patterns of incendiary 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 Peter Afunanya, the Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Department of State Services National Headquarters, Abuja.
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 a resort to acerbic 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.”
