DSS Uncovers Threats to 2023 Polls

DSS Uncovers Threats to 2023 Polls

The spread of fake news and hate speeches on social media will pose a serious threat to the 2023 general elections, the Department of State Services (DSS) has said.

It cautioned the media against disseminating misinformation capable of derailing efforts to deepen democracy, in the country.

At a briefing in Abuja, yesterday, DSS spokesperson, Dr. Peter Afunanya, said sharing of fake news along with incorrect and inflammatory commentary have led to violence in parts of the country.

According to him, fake news has the potential to do a huge amount of harm to Nigeria’s unity.

Afunanya noted that media practitioners must shun fake news in order to promote unity, peaceful co-existence in the country.

He said: “We are into elections and political programmes have started. What the media and every stakeholders must do is to ensure that the game is played according to rules.

“Nigerians must avoid any act that promotes hate and disintegration and say no to separatist movement, terrorism, fake news, hate speech, religious bigotry and any act that tends to divide us as a nation.

“We must understand that Nigeria is the only country we have and every one must put hands on deck to ensure that there is peace. The media should should be up and doing in ensuring the peace is restored in the country”.

By PRNigeria