The Department of State Services (DSS) has warned lawmakers and high-ranking officials against making unguarded utterances that could jeopardize Nigeria's democratic endeavors.
In a statement issued in Abuja, DSS Public Relations Officer Dr Peter Afunanya issued the warning.
"Nigeria's Secret Police, DSS Tests the Water on Tenure Elongation for Buhari, Tells Journalists, CSOs 2023 Elections May Not Hold," he stated, referring to a misleading and deceptive publication in some sections headed "Nigeria's Secret Police, DSS Tests the Water on Tenure Elongation for Bu.
According to Afunanya, the Service was accused in the report of warning participants at its April 6 brainstorming session with CSOs/NGOs that the general elections in 2023 might not take place due to insecurity.
He also said that the session was a hoax to promote tenure extension to the general public, according to the newspaper.
"It is surprising that the session, which was hailed and described as creative by attendees including respected Civil Society organisations, would be misrepresented," he remarked.
The Presidency's response, according to Afunanya, exonerated the Service by reiterating its commitment to transfer over control to a new president on May 29, 2023.
He went on to say that the statement had thwarted the report's deliberate attempt to confuse people.
"While the Service supports the President in this situation, it recommends the public to dismiss the report," he continued.