The State Security Service (SSS) Thursday warned politicians against provocative statements capable of causing violence ahead of the 2015 general election.
The warning came as sources close to the SSS last night informed THISDAY that a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, had been invited by the agency to clarify his statement in THISDAY Newspaper Thursday.
El-Rufai, who is also the Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had stated that unless certain things were put in place, 2015 general election would be marred with violence.
He warned that the elections would be marred by riots and other forms of violence that may lead to loss of lives and property, except the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies were ready to hold free and fair elections.
The former minister had accused INEC of incompetence, arguing that if it was not able to organise credible elections in Anambra and Delta States, it would be almost impossible to expect free and fair elections from the electoral umpire in 2015.
Specifically, he said: “The next election is likely to be violent and many people are likely going to die. And the only alternative left to get power is to take it by force, this is the reality on ground.”
THISDAY, investigation revealed that el-Rufai is expected to appear at the headquarters of the service today by 10a.m.
It was gathered that when the invitation from the DSS got to the former minister, he urged the service to get an arrest warrant from a court before he would honour it.
A source close to the SSS told THISDAY that: “We assured him that he was only invited and not arrested. If he wants to be arrested, we are entitled by law to do so. He wants to sensationalise a simple invitation. No twitting or sensation can stop us from doing our work. He has to explain his statement yesterday.”
Meanwhile, the SSS, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Ms. Marilyn Ogar, called for caution on the part of the politician.
“The attention of the DSS has been drawn to incessant provocative statements by some Nigerians, threatening violence ahead of the 2015 general election. Such comments are offensive, misguided, and directed at stirring hate amongst Nigerians.
“This service and other law enforcement agencies have the mandate to protect the country and its citizens. We, therefore ,warn all subversive elements that are bent on promoting divisive and disruptive agenda to desist from such, as the full weight of the law shall henceforth be brought to bear accordingly.
“We call on all Nigerians to remain law-abiding and assist security agencies in ensuring a safe society for all,” the statement reads.
Source: THISDAY
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