By Cross Udo, Abuja
DSS spokesperson, Dr Peter Afunanya, in a statement yesterday said the call was to guard against reports that could inflame division, tension, and violence before and after the inauguration.
Afunanya said the service was aware of plans by subversive elements to disrupt the programme in parts of the country.
He said, “The aim is to undermine security agencies’ efforts at ensuring peaceful ceremonies and create 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 before and after the exercises.”
The DSS spokesperson said undesirable acts would serve no purpose other than destroying national unity and cohesion.
“Additionally, all unauthorised and non-accredited persons are warned to stay away from restricted and certain designated areas at the inauguration venues,” he said.
He called on the public to remain calm and law-abiding, adding that the DSS would continue to sustain collaboration with sister agencies to ensure successful inauguration ceremonies nationwide.
•As Tiubu bags highest national honour, promises not to disappoint Nigerians
President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised not to disappoint Nigerians who put their trust in him by electing him their president.
The President-elect said this yesterday during his investiture as Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR)- the nation’s highest honour-and Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima as Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) and handing over of transition documents.
Before conferring the highest national honour on the President-elect and the Vice President-elect, President Muhammadu Buhari said he has finished his race well and he is satisfied that he is handing over Nigeria to competent hands in the person of Tinubu.
“I have run my course. I am happy that I am handing over to competent hands,” President Buhari said.
Tinubu, however, told the outgoing President to expect knocks on his doors whether he is in his Daura hometown or Niger Republic.
Recall that President Buhari had recently said he would relocate to his Daura hometown and take care of his cattle or go to the Niger Republic to avoid anyone troubling him.
The President-elect said, “It is a great honour for me to stand before you today, but let me, first of all, say thank you, Mr President. I can only call you Mr. Democrat. You have bestowed the nation’s highest honour on my Vice President-elect, Shettima, and me.
“Our deep thanks also for the Transition Documents, which enumerated the efforts of the past eight years. The documents summarize the immense work of your administration. They constitute an impressive and noteworthy scorecard. You have made history and no one can deny your contribution to our national development.
“Your devotion to progressive and democratic governance is unassailable. As such, I stand here today, renewed in hope and dedication to our national purpose and destiny. I also feel full of pride that this moment is our moment and I know what it represents.
“This stately occasion is living evidence that Nigeria is a vibrant and true democracy. It confirms that our democratic path is right and nothing will deter us from sticking to it, I assure you.
“Our ways shall not be always smooth, yes, democracy is ‘rough and tumble’, hill and valley, yet we are imbued with faith in our purpose and believe in our collective ability to overcome the challenges that confront us.
“President Buhari, you have shown courage in taking tough decisions others avoided. One such decision is to recognize the injustice of the annulment of the 1993 election, to designate June 12 as a Democracy Day, and to bestow the nation’s highest honour on the late MKO Abiola.
“As much as anyone could, you reached back into history to set the record straight and heal the festering wound. I am a simple man who is the beneficiary of the support and goodwill of the people of Nigeria. Thank you. The justice you did in this matter lends special meaning to today.
“The people have put their trust in us, you have done your part Mr. President, and now a great duty will descend on me. I understand the meaning of the honour given to me today and the magnitude of the task that awaits.
“Whether you go to Daura or Niger or anywhere, you’ll expect knocks on your doors.”
He further said, “I must run this race and must do it well. On security, the economy, agriculture, jobs, education, health, and power, and in all other sections we must make headway as you’ve charted the course, the people deserve no less. You said so. I shall not disappoint you.”
