Buhari, DSS Warn Against Electoral Violence
President Muhammadu Buhari has warned against any form of electoral violence during this year’s general election.
Buhari said the sponsors of such violence will be dealt with no matter how influential they may be.
Buhari gave the warning in Southern Kaduna on the occasion of conference of the First African Church Mission, held in Zuturung.
Represented by Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Congo, Deborah Iliya, the President said those who sponsor election violence were unpatriotic Nigerians.
The President described those who sponsor election violence as unpatriotic, advising the citizens to embrace peaceful conduct, shun political thuggery and other forms of crisis.
He said, “Those who sponsor and perpetrate violence in the 2019 elections will face the law, no matter how highly influential. Let me also say that Nigeria is our country, we do not have any other place called Nigeria. This country will not be sacrificed on the altar of violence”.
“Our youths are the leaders of tomorrow and so, they must shun any invitation meant to use them for violence. As you all prepare for the general election, please come out, and cast your votes. Do not exchange your Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) for money. Your PVC is your power, come out, exercise your franchise and ensure your vote counts.”
Meanwhile, the Directorate of State Security Service (DSS) in a statement also warned against electoral violence, adding that people should be law abiding.
The spokesperson of the DSS, Peter Afunanya said, “the service commits itself to the provision of adequate security throughout the period of the electoral process”, the statement read.
“Without doubt, the Electoral Act is clear on the roles of stakeholders. The common aim of all and sundry should be for Nigeria to hold successful elections that will be adjudged free, fair, transparent and credible and accepted nationally and internationally.
‘’Everyone is urged to conduct themselves properly before, during and after the elections and avoid actions that may cause breakdown of law and order.
“On its part, the DSS will professionally discharge its statutory mandate which, among others, is to detect and prevent threats and crimes against the internal security of Nigeria. Also, it will appropriately engage stakeholders.
‘’This is for the protection and success of the elections. Therefore, ensuring security that will make the electoral process noble and acceptable to participants and their supporters is uppermost to the service”.
The DSS warned against fake news, hate speeches that are meant to whip up ethnic and religious sentitments.
He also said the public can reach the agency on the telephone lines and e-mail address:07055655591; 09030002189 and dsspr@dss.gov.ng in case of need.
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