Polls: We’ll provide adequate security, remain professional – DSS

Ahead of Saturday’s election, the Department of State Services (DSS) has pledged provision of adequate security, to safeguard the sanctity of the exercise. The DSS, while assuring the public that its personnel will remain professional before, during and after the elections, however, vowed to isolate and deal with persons, who may constitute threats to a free, fair and credible exercise.

The Services’ Public Relations Officer, Mr. Peter Afunanya, who conveyed the undertakings in a statement yesterday, also enjoined observers, journalists and other stakeholders, who have been accredited for the elections, to adhere strictly to rules of engagement, saying such disposition was one of the preconditions for a successful outing. “As Nigerians go to the polls to elect their leaders at the national and state levels, the DSS enjoins all stakeholders – politicians, citizens, voters, observers, electoral officers, the media, civil society organizations and security operatives to be law-abiding and observe the rules of engagement as doing so is germane to the success of the exercise. “The Service commits itself to the provision of adequatesecuritythroughout the period of the electoral process.

“Politicians and the youth are expected to shun all acts of violence the same way observers are urged to keep to the fundamentals and principles of election monitoring as allowed by law and global best practice. “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,” Afunanya said. To demonstrate its interest at guaranteeing security for the smooth conduct of the Presidential and National Assembly polls, Afunanya disclosed that the Secret Services’ plan to engage with critical stakeholders on best practice.

His words: “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.”