Anambra election: DSS begs media for restraint in reporting IPOB

Ahead of the November 6 Anambra governorship election, Nigeria’s secret police, the Department of State Services, DSS has appealed to the media to be cautious in reporting statements attributed to South East secessionist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

IPOB had threatened to disrupt the Anambra governorship election scheduled for next Saturday if its leader, Nnamdi Kanu currently being tried for treason is not released by November 4.

The group had last Saturday in a statement which was widely published indicated that it will declare a sit -at -home over the Southeast on November 4 to protest the continued detention of its leader, a move believed to be aimed at jeopardizing the election.

Yesterday, the proscribed group issued another statement alleging that the Federal Government has perfected plans to kill its leader in custody.

But in a statement by Peter Afunaya, its spokesperson on Saturday morning, the DSS cautioned the media against giving unnecessary publicity to IPOB while assuring that it will work with other stakeholders to ensure that Anambra election is hitch free.

It added that the wide publicity being given to statements by IPOB portends negative consequences for public order and peaceful coexistence.

“Amidst heightened insecurity in the South East and the upcoming Anambra State Governorship election, the media is advised to apply restraint and avoid sensationalising news,” said DSS.

The full statement by Afunaya reads: “The Department of State Services (DSS) wishes to draw public attention to the manner sections of the media have continued to sensationalise news relating to some of the security challenges in parts of the country.

“It is observed that some media handlers give unnecessary attention and coverage to the activities of bandits, terrorists and secessionists. This is condemnable given that these elements thrive on undeserved publicity which they enjoy from media patronage.

“Amidst heightened insecurity in the South East and the upcoming Anambra State Governorship election, the media is advised to apply restraint and avoid sensationalising news.

“The DSS believes that this dimension of reportage holds negative consequences for public order and peaceful coexistence. The Service will, however, continue to collaborate with appropriate stakeholders to ensure not only a hitch free electoral exercise but that a conducive environment necessary for citizens to pursue their legitimate businesses in and outside the State is provided.”