By-elections: DSS cautions political parties against instigating violence

The Department of State Services (DSS) has asked political parties to shun acts that are capable of causing a breakdown of law and order during Saturday’s by-elections.

By-elections are to be conducted in various constituencies across 26 states.

The elections will fill vacancies in three senatorial districts, 17 federal and 28 state constituencies across 80 LGAs.

In a statement on Friday by Peter Afunanya, DSS spokesperson, the secret police urged politicians and their supporters to abide by the provisions of the electoral act.

The DSS also asked public commentators to “consider the peace of the country over and above their personal or group interests”.

“Similarly, the media, civil society and community based organisations are encouraged to shun divisive tendencies and fake narratives likely to undermine national order,” the statement reads.

“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 service, therefore, advises those engaging in subversive endeavours or desirous of doing so to desist from such; consequently, it will not hesitate to bring defaulters, no matter how highly placed, to face the full weight of the law.

“On its part, the service, in the discharge of its mandate, will work with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), other sister security and law enforcement agencies and indeed all stakeholders to ensure a hitch-free election.”