Ballot box remains only vehicle of change, DSS warns secessionist, others

The Department of State Service (DSS) has warned that though democracy offers free speech, it does not give room to reckless pronouncements capable of undermining security, stressing that the ballot box remains the vehicle of change in a democracy.

In a statement signed by Peter Afunanya, Ph.D, Public Relations Officer of DSS, it condemned the unsavoury statements by misguided elements who have continued to threaten the government, sovereignty and corporate existence of the country.

“It is unfortunate that those in the forefront of this are respectable individuals who should be patriotic and not allow their personal ambitions to ruin the nation. The Service has also noted their desperation and penchant to collaborate with external forces and influences against Nigeria.”

“They are reminded that even though democracy offers free speech, it does not give room to reckless pronouncements capable of undermining security. It is instructive to note that the ballot box remains the vehicle of change in a democracy.

“In this regard, self-centred individuals and groups are warned to stop engaging in acts inimical to the peace and sovereignty of this nation. In the same manner, influential personalities should be sensitive to the emerging situations and guard against divisive and inciting utterances that may cause a breakdown of law and order.

“Recently, the Service invited and cautioned some persons who deniably recounted their earlier statements or said they were quoted out of context. The public should be wary of such individuals and their co-travelers who incite them in the open but, turn in the secret to retrieve their words after they have caused the damage.

While the Service reaffirms its support to an indivisible, indissoluble and united Nigerian State in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, it said it would no longer tolerate deliberate machinations by subversive and hostile groups whose agenda is to throw the country into anarchy so as to serve the interests of their sponsors.