The Department of State Security Services, DSS, has warned all opposition Politicians in the country who are aggrieved with the conduct and outcome of the 2023 general elections, to desist from peddling “hate speech” and all forms of “false narratives” to ignite violence or pit the citizens against the President Muhammadu Buhari Federal Government or the incoming administration of the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu, Page 36 learnt.
The DSS threatened to arrest any of the Politicians that refuses to abide by the directive.
In a statement on Saturday, the DSS Spokesman, Peter Afunanya, gave the directive.
The DSS’ warning followed a petition by a Spokesman of the APC 2023 Presidential Campaign Council, PCC, and Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Festus Keyamo, SAN, that the DSS should arrest the Labour Party, LP, 2023 Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, over their latest comments in the Media, rejecting Tinubu as the winner of the poll as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
The DSS Spokesman said: “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.
“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.”