Polls: DSS threatens to arrest criminals, collaborators

Polls: DSS threatens to arrest criminals, collaborators

John Alechenu, Abuja

The Department of State Services has said it will clamp down on criminals and their collaborators during the elections which begin on Saturday.

In a  statement by its  Public Relations Officer, Mr Peter Afunanya,  on Monday, the DSS  promised to make the electoral process acceptable to all parties and their supporters.

Afunanya said, “The service is determined to identify and arrest criminals and their collaborators,  whose activities are against the national objective of achieving peaceful and orderly elections.

“Similarly, the service will not condone fake news, incendiary or hate speech designed to whip up dangerous ethnic, religious and/or political sentiments.

“Consequently, prospective lawbreakers are forewarned to steer clear of acts capable of undermining national security and stability.

“The service will, however, not stand idly and watch while miscreants and mischief-makers are creating avoidable chaos.”

The outfit appealed to politicians, voters, observers, electoral officers, journalists, Civil Society Organisations and others to be law-abiding.

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The statement added, “The service commits itself to the provision of adequate security throughout the period of the electoral process.

“Politicians and youths are expected to shun all acts of violence.

Observers are urged to keep to the fundamentals and principles of election monitoring as allowed by law and global best practices. Without doubt, the Electoral Act is clear on the roles of stakeholders.”