The Department of State Services (DSS) has urged Nigerians to be of good conduct for public peace and order during the festive season.

The DSS equally urged religious and political leaders to preach peaceful coexistence, tolerance, unity, and enlighten their members on safety measures during and after the season.

The security agency gave the admonition via a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, Peter Afunanya.

The Service said the advice was necessary over plans by criminals to capitalise on the festivities to wreak havoc or harm Nigerians.

The DSS, however, pledged to collaborate with all stakeholders to maintain law and order across the country.

It called on politicians while carrying out their campaigns, to play the game according to the rules of engagement, adding: “They should shun fake news, hate speech, violence and acts inimical to national security.

“In the same vein, players in the socio-economic sector are enjoined to avoid manipulative tendencies that could result in undue price hikes, artificial scarcity of products/goods and situations that may lead to heightened tensions.

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“On the side of the media and other Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), the Service urges them to be objective and patriotic in the discharge of their roles.

“They should 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 further stated that it would continue to carry out its duties and responsibilities in line with global best practices as they affect human rights and rule of law to sustain national stability.

“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 allows a family and/or legal representative, who fulfilled all the processes and clearance procedures, access to such a suspect.

“The public may note that the Service does not carry out illegal arrests or undertake enforced disappearances of innocent persons. It also does not operate illegal detention camps. Its operations and activities are rule-based and governed by transparent and accountable legal processes.

“The DSS, therefore enjoins those opposed to its lawful position on issues to approach the court for redress,” the security agency added.

The DSS, however, urged Nigerians to “live in peace and good neighbourliness but should, however, be conscious of his/her environment.”

The Star