DSS arrests ex-BBC editor, Soyinka at Lagos airport
The Department of State Services (DSS) has condemned the media for “sensationalising” news relating to the security challenges in Nigeria.
Peter Afunanya, DSS Public Relations Officer issued a statement on Friday attacking journalists for doing their job.
Curiously, the spokesman was silent on the murder of Secret Service operatives in Anambra earlier in the day.
The spokesman said some media handlers were giving “unnecessary attention and coverage to the activities of bandits, terrorists and secessionists”.
“This is condemnable given that these elements thrive on undeserved publicity which they enjoy from media patronage.”
Admitting the heightened insecurity in the South-East and ahead of the governorship election in Anambra, he advised the media “to apply restraint”.
The DSS insists the current dimension of reportage holds negative consequences for public order and peaceful coexistence.
The agency assured that it would continue to collaborate with appropriate stakeholders to ensure a hitch free electoral exercise and conducive environment for citizens.
OsmekNews gathered that the DSS attack on media came days after Information Minister, Lai Mohammed, similarly condemned the press.
In successive criticisms, Mohammed claimed that media houses relegate achievements in the ongoing North-West and North-East operations.
But the position of the President Muhammadu Buhari government spites the prompt and regular use of reaction and statements from spokespersons of the DSS, police, military and other agencies.
This is apart from the heavy reportage of how security forces eliminate or arrest of outlaws terrorizing Nigeria and citizens.
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