The Department of State Services, DSS has urged the media to help combat crime and violence in the country.
National Public Relations Officer, DSS, Dr. Peter Afunnaya said this can be done by ensuring the dissemination of peaceful and positive information.
Afunnaya made the call while addressing newsmen at the DSS headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
He warned against fake news and hate speech, saying they are detrimental to the peace of the nation.
According to him “We are engaging stakeholders to help shun violence as election approaches. We are engaging the media because you are the gate keepers and whatever you put out there is what the public consumes.
“The print media, broadcast, online platforms and bloggers are all tools for National building. Peace is very critical or the wellbeing of our nation, therefore let’s shun violence and ethnicity, let’s preach religious tolerance in the message we pass out” he said.
Afunnaya also urged Nigerians to stay responsible in ensuring the peace of the Nation is not jeopardized.
“Nigerians, Elections are here again let us shun violence, let us play the game according to the rules. Do not be a thug, say no to violence, let’s rise and defeat violence, crime and sabotage against the peace of our Nation. Nigeria is the only country we have, we must do everything to keep it united.
“We must avoid any act that promotes hate and disintegration. Say no to separatist movement, terrorism, fake news, hate speech, religious bigotry and any act that tends to divide us as a nation,” Afunnaya said.
“Watch out for strange gatherings, suspicious movements. Restrict access to sensitive documents and data, the disclosure of which may damage National Security. Educate your staff and family particularly on measures to safeguard information and report security breaches. Apply relevant legal security guidelines to protect yourselves and your neighbours,” he further said.
He said all suspicious movements and persons should be reported to the nearest security agencies. He said all security information, should be passed through these numbers: 08132222105, 09153391309, 09088373514 or send a mail to dsspr@dss.gov.ng
