The Department of State Security has denied shutting down the National Assembly as widely alleged on Social media.
The agency, in a statement on Wednesday, called on the general public to ignore such reports adding that a video, which has since gone viral, was recorded in 2018.
The Statement read; “The attention of the National Assembly management has been drawn to video being trending on social media.”
“This was an incident that happened in 2018 when the main entrance gate of the National Assembly was blocked by the DSS, preventing people, including Honourable members of the House of Representatives and Distinguished senators from gaining entrance to the complex.”
“A close watch of the fake video clip will show anyone familiar with the National complex that the gate at the background in the video has since been demolished and construction work on the new gate which began in 2022 is almost completed now.”
“How then can the old gate appear in a video someone claims it happened on February 14? As we talk, the lawmakers are on recess preparatory for the 2023 general elections. One therefore wonders what the mischief makers behind the video wants to achieve.
“In any case, Nigerians are wiser and will discountenance the video as fake news resurfacing with the sole aim of causing disaffection. A tweet by Chukwuebuka Emeruem (@Emebuka) says “Breaking News: Nigeria is now in a state of anarchy/dictatorship. National Assembly has been shut down by unknown forces and taken over by DSS”! on February 14, 2023 and illustrating it with a 2018video clip is nothing but fake news.”
“Reactions by Nigerians on Twitter have show that @emebuka is mischievous and aimed at causing disaffection. The appropriate security agencies must swing into action as requested by some Nigerians in reaction to @emebuka on Twitter.”
“No amount of mischievous and malicious publication of fake news will distract Nigerians from the set target of a peaceful election. Let @emebuka and mischief makers like him be made to face the music to serve as a deterrent to others like him for the benefit of our dear country.”
“Posting the fake video on February 14, the day the new Clerk to the National Assembly, Sani Maggaji Tambuwal formally assumed duty as CNA, to say the least, has sinister motive, which must perish with @emebuka and his sponsors.”
“The new CNA will never, ever be distracted by such fake news since he is focused and determined to accomplish his set goal for the overall benefit of the staff and institution of the National Assembly, the only symbol of our democracy.”
