DSS Urges Vigilance and Unity for Christians and Muslims During Lent and Ramadan

By Milcah Tanimu

As Christians and Muslims prepare for the sacred periods of Lent and Ramadan, the Department of State Services (DSS) has issued an advisory, urging worshippers to focus on promoting peace, unity, and harmony in Nigeria. In a statement by the DSS Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Dr. Peter Afunanya, the agency emphasized the significance of these religious rites and called for a collective effort to uphold understanding, compassion, and respect among diverse religious communities.

Key Points:

1. Promotion of Peace and Harmony:

• The DSS encouraged worshippers to use the Lent and Ramadan periods to foster understanding, compassion, and respect for one another.
• Stakeholders were urged to refrain from economic exploitation, sabotage, or profiteering during these religious obligations.

1. Combatting Unethical Practices:

• The statement highlighted the ungodly nature of illegal practices such as price gouging and unethical marketing tactics, emphasizing the need to maintain fairness and uphold the true essence of the holy events.

1. Role of Clerics and Religious Leaders:

• Religious leaders were called upon to prioritize empathy, cooperation, and conflict prevention beyond the Lent and Ramadan periods.

1. Media’s Responsibility:

• The media was encouraged to utilize its platforms to promote informed and accurate engagements that contribute to achieving national security objectives and interests.

1. Security Awareness:

• Residents were advised to remain vigilant, particularly against public dangers like Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The public was urged to report any suspicious activities, objects, or movements to relevant security agencies.

1. Call for Tolerance and Brotherhood:

• The DSS appealed for tolerance, bonds of brotherhood, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence among the populace.

1. National Security Commitment:

• The DSS reaffirmed its commitment to providing strategic intelligence to sister agencies to ensure a safe and secure country.

In conclusion, the DSS called on worshippers to embrace the values of mercy, tolerance, forgiveness, and being each other’s keepers, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society for all.