Amnesty International, People’s Gazette implicated in use of fake news, hate speech to set Nigeria on fire
*As DSS denies, describes publication as false, says it does not abduct citizens
*Issues final warning to media over ‘condemnable’ use of fake news, hate speech to set Nigeria on fire
*Advises practitioners to rise above parochial considerations, fish out quacks among them
*Urges them to choose reason over fatuity, patriotism over disloyalty, treachery
By KEMI KASUMU
The Department of State Services (DSS) has debunked and dismissed as false, a publication by an online newspaper, Peoples Gazette, in which it quoted Amnesty International (AI) as stating that SSS abduct innocent Nigerians under Buhari regime.
This dismissal came via a statement from the DSS’ headquarters in Abuja, signed by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Peter Afunanya, Ph.D, fsi and copy of which was sent to The DEFENDER Wednesday night.
“Whether reported by Peoples Gazette or Amnesty International, the Service outrightly denies this misleading narrative. It does not abduct Nigerians,” the statement said.
According to Dr. Afunaya, “As part of its enforcement activities, the DSS arrests when, where and if necessary. This is evidently carried out in line with tenets of democratic ideals.
“At no time has the agency embarked on its actions without following laid down procedures in respect of obtaining warrants of arrest or orders for detention from competent legal authorities.
“The claim of abduction or use of enforced disappearances is an absolute lie and a make-up narrative designed to bring the Service to disrepute.
The DEFENDER reports DSS as a security and intelligence agency that is law abiding and committed to the protection of citizens and sensitive government installations.
In doing this, the statement said, it will continue to discharge its mandate of intelligence collection and timely dissemination of same to relevant action agencies and stakeholders.
“Public attention should, however, be drawn to the deliberate and determined efforts of the publisher of Peoples Gazette, Samuel Ogundipe, to use his platform to undermine law and order. He is known to have, on several occasions, engaged in false and distorted publications to disinform the public.
“He and his cohorts are hereby warned, for the umpteenth time, to desist from these deplorable acts against the peace and security of the nation. It is time for Ogundipe and the likes to choose reason over fatuity; and patriotism over disloyalty and treachery.
“Their continuous mischievous resolve to use fake news and hate speech to set the country on fire is condemnable.
“Media practitioners in the country should rise above parochial considerations, sanitise its fold and fish out quacks among them. The media can also peer review and embark on self-censorship as part of achieving professionalism in the industry.
“They must reject the allure of enticement by external forces to use them to instigate violence or undermine government and its institutions. Otherwise, those who run foul of the law must be ready to face justice either now or in the future,” the statement, again, warned.
