The Department of State Services (DSS) has cautioned political players to be law-abiding ahead of the governorship and state assembly elections on 18 March.
Development Diaries reports that the security service gave this warning in a statement on its official Twitter handle alerting Nigerians of ‘orchestrated plans’ by some persons to cause a total breakdown of law and order in the country.
‘It also wishes to draw attention to the unnecessary palpable political tension in parts of the country prior to the elections under reference’, the statement read.
The DSS said it observed that some political players are at daggers drawn with one another, hence it warned politicians and their supporters to engage constructively.
It also revealed it has partnered with relevant stakeholders to ensure that peace is maintained before, during and after the elections.
‘Fake news’
The service also advised Nigerians against spreading false reports and hate speech or any utterances which may be inimical to peaceful co-existence, adding that election should not be seen as a do-or-die affair.
Since the buildup to the 2023 elections began, the internet has been flooded with false news reports meant to misinform the public, and, most times, aimed at bringing down opposition candidates.
Recall that the Director of Special Projects and New Media, All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, Femi Fani-Kayode, was arrested by the DSS for interrogation over sharing misinformation on social media.
Section 15 of the Nigeria Cyber Crime Act 2015 provides that anyone found deliberately sharing communication with an intent to cause annoyance, inconvenience or anxiety to another is liable to a fine of N2,000,000 or imprisonment.
Development Diaries, therefore, calls on Nigerians to ensure that they verify information online before sharing it with other users.