30th October, 2021
Nigeria’s secret police, the Department of State Services, DSS, has assured that it will collaborate with other stakeholders to ensure that the November 6 Anambra governorship election is hitch free while cautioning media against sensationalism.
Spokesperson of DSS, Peter Afunanya said this in a statement on Saturday morning while accusing some section of the media of giving “unnecessary attention and coverage to the activities of bandits, terrorists and secessionists.”
“The DSS believes that this dimension of reportage holds negative consequences for public order and peaceful coexistence,” Afunaya said in obvious reference to the wide publicity given to statements by the secessionist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB that has threatened to disrupt the election.
“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,” the DSS spokesperson added.
Read the full statement below
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.
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.