Ahead of the inauguration activities at the swearing in of the new president, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, on May 29, 2023, the Department of State Services (DSS) has warned all unauthorised and unaccredited persons to stay off restricted and designated areas at the event venues.
The DSS also advised Nigerian citizens, the media and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to adhere strictly to security and civil protocols during the events.
This was said in a statement by the DSS spokesman, Dr Peter Afunanya.
All were also urged to shun fake news, false alarms, skewed reportage, narratives and sensationalism likely to inflame division, tension and violence prior to and after the exercises.
The spokesman spoke on the World Press Conference held on May 18 by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the Presidential Transition Council (PTC), during which the Presidential inauguration activities were announced.
Saying that the major highlight of the activities would be the swearing-in of the President in Abuja, Dr Afunanya added that new governors would also be inaugurated in most states on the same date.
“The Service is, however, aware of plans by subversive elements to disrupt the programmes in parts of the country. The aim is to undermine security agencies’ efforts at ensuring peaceful ceremonies as well as creating panic and fear among members of the public.
“Based on these, citizens, the media and Civil Society Organisations are advised to adhere strictly to security and civil protocols during the events.
“They are also urged to shun fake news, false alarms, skewed reportage/narratives and sensationalism that may likely inflame division, tension and violence prior to and after the exercises.
“This is more so that such undesirable acts will serve no purpose other than destroying national unity and cohesion.,” the spokesman said.
The DSS reiterated its earlier call for the populace to remain calm and law abiding, saying that it would continue to sustain collaboration with sister agencies to ensure successful inaugurations.
