On Wednesday, the Department of State Services (DSS) urged organised Labour to shun its planned nationwide protest over sundry economic issues in the interest of peace and public order.
This information was conveyed in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by its Director, Public Relations, and Strategic Communications, Dr. Peter Afunanya.
The statement pointed out that while the Service recognizes such action as the legitimate right of the labor movement, it urges the body to shelve the plan in the interest of peace and public order.
The Service further called on parties to pursue dialogue and negotiation rather than engaging in conduct that could heighten tensions. Moreover, the Service is aware that some elements are planning to use the opportunity of the protest to foment a crisis and, by extension, widespread violence.
According to it, the development, without a doubt, will worsen the socio-economic situation across the country.
The Service highlighted that it is common knowledge that all levels of government are striving to ameliorate the prevailing economic condition and, as such, should be given the benefit of the doubt. So far, appropriate authorities are working assiduously with a spectrum of stakeholders to fashion out modalities to address the current difficulties. They should, therefore, be given the chance to handle the challenges at hand.
In this vein, citizens are encouraged to recognize that what remains unsolved in peacetime would not be attained in wartime. The timeless piece of the esteemed poet, JP Clark, “The Casualties,” is a resonating reminder to us of the possible dangers of escalated conflicts. In times of trouble, everyone will be a casualty.
The Service further pointed out that ongoing wars in the global scene are a stark reminder of their catastrophic repercussions on the affected countries’ domestic environments. Thus, the critical need to protect and maintain our internal stability and unity.
It advised that those exploiting the fault lines in the country need to have a rethink, as resorting to negativities will endanger our peaceful coexistence with dire consequences.
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The Service, while imploring parents and guardians to exert authority in guiding their children and wards from inimical acts capable of jeopardizing public safety, also urged all sectors, including political parties, opposition groups, religious and traditional institutions, civil society, and non-governmental bodies to eschew violence, demonstrate leadership and statesmanship in these challenging times.
It cautioned that making political capital out of the current situation or involving in divisive utterances at a time like this would be of no benefit to any peace-loving Nigerian. The advice to citizens is to be vigilant and not allow fifth columnists and hostile forces or agents to use them to destabilize the peace of the nation.
According to it, the DSS stands opposed to violence as a means of settling our present-day challenges, be they economic, political, or otherwise. Accordingly, the Service will work with sister security and law enforcement agencies to ensure that lasting peace is maintained in the country.
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