The Department of State Services (DSS) has called on Nigerians to be of good conduct for public peace and order as the yuletide season approaches.
The service also pledged to collaborate with all stakeholders to maintain law and order across the country as it urged community, religious and political bodies/leaders to preach peaceful coexistence, tolerance and unity as well as enlighten their members on safety measures during and after the season.
The DSS said this is necessary as criminal elements may want to capitalise on the festivities to wreak havoc or harm unsuspecting members of the public.
A statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the agency, Peter Afunanya says political actors have been advised to follow the rules of engagement while carrying out their campaigns, shun fakes news, hate speech, violence, and behaviours that endanger national security.
The agency also urged Media and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs),o be objective and patriotic in the discharge of their roles and to 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).
The DSS said it would continue to sustain national stability, carryout 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.
For every suspect under its detention, the Service said it will allow a family and/or legal representative, who fulfilled all the processes and clearance procedures, access to such a suspect.
The DSS spokesperson further said the Service does not carry out illegal arrests or undertake enforced disappearances of innocent persons, It also does not operate illegal detention camps as its operations and activities are rule-based and governed by transparent and accountable legal processes.
The agency however enjoined those opposed to its lawful position on issues to approach the court for redress.
