As Nigerians prepare for Christmas and New year festivities, the Department for State Services (DSS) has admonished religious clerics to preach peace, unity and tolerance.
The nation’s secret service gave the charged in a statement signed by Dr. Peter Afunaya, its Public Relations Officer.
The service also called on religious and community leaders to enlighten their followers on safety tips in the build up to the celebrations. The DSS noted that sharing information on safety measures has become important because criminal elements may want to capitalize on the festivities to wreak havoc or harm unsuspecting members of the public.
Also speaking about the build up to the 2023 elections, the DSS charged political parties and their candidates to play by the rules as they canvass for votes from the electorate during campaigns. Specifically, the service admonished politicians and their followers to refrain from spreading fake news, hate speech, and all other news material, which would lead to violence and undermine national security.
In the same vein, the secret police called on players in the socio-economic sector to avoid manipulative tendencies that could result in undue price hikes, artificial scarcity of products and goods and situations that may lead to heightened tensions.
The service said: “On the side of the media and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the Service urges them to be objective and patriotic in the discharge of their roles. They should understand that the practice of their trade(s) could be more result-oriented in an atmosphere of peace. As critical stakeholders in nation building and national security management, they need to consider Nigeria first before any other interest(s).”
On measures being taken to secure the country in the face of myriad of security breaches across the country, the DSS assured that it will continue to carry out its duties and responsibilities in line with global best practices as they affect human rights and rule of law.
“This is despite calculated efforts by some interest groups to create impression that persons arrested by the Service are either not taken care of or denied access to their families and/or legal representatives.
It is instructive to note that the Service has a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on suspect handling. It considers this and general care of suspects sacrosanct and a priority. This can undoubtedly be attested by those that had passed through its holding facilities.”
Apparently responding to allegations of human rights violations made against it in recent times by civic groups, the DSS explained that for every suspect under its detention, the Service allows a family and/or legal representative, who fulfilled all the processes and clearance procedures, access to such a suspect.
“The public may note that the Service does not carry out illegal arrests or undertake enforced disappearances of innocent persons. It also does not operate illegal detention camps. Its operations and activities are rule-based and governed by transparent and accountable legal processes. The DSS, therefore enjoins those opposed to its lawful position on issues to approach the court for redress.”
