The Department of State Services (DSS) has announced the discovery of plans by certain politicians in the country to organize violent protests with the intention of discrediting the Federal Government and security agencies, particularly concerning socio-economic issues.
This revelation was confirmed in a statement issued by Dr. Peter Afunanya, the Public Relations Officer for the DSS. The statement did not provide specific details regarding the individuals or groups involved in these alleged plans but highlights the agency’s awareness of such intentions.
It read, “DSS hereby informs the public that it has uncovered plans by some elements in parts of the country to stage violent protests in order to discredit the Federal Government and security agencies over sundry socio-economic matters.
“Intelligence reports have indicated that the plotters include certain politicians who are desperately mobilizing unsuspecting student leaders, ethnic-based associations, youth, and disgruntled groups for the planned action.”
The Service further stated that it has identified the ring leaders of the plot, adding that it is monitoring them in order to prevent them from plunging the country into anarchy.
The statement added, “In view of this development, University Vice-Chancellors and Heads of Tertiary Institutions are advised to discourage their students from engaging in acts capable of derailing public peace.
“Also, parents and guardians are enjoined to admonish their children and wards respectively to shun the lure of participating in inimical behaviors or conducts against law and order.
“While the DSS is aware of the Government’s efforts and determination to resolve some of the challenges confronting the nation, it warns those desirous of subverting national security to retrace their steps.
“This is more so that it will not hesitate to legally come against persons and groups behind the devious plans,” it concluded.
The presidential election petition tribunal has scheduled September to commence the hearing of the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, alongside his running mate Peter Obi, as well as the Labour Party. They are contesting the victory of President Bola Tinubu in the February 25th presidential election.
The tribunal had initially reserved judgment after the petitioners concluded their cases in June. During their presentation, they had called upon 40 of the 150 witnesses originally listed in their petitions, all in their challenge against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Tinubu.
While Tinubu’s lawyer prayed for a successful outcome, Atiku’s legal team admonished the tribunal to “shun executive intimidation and dispense judgment on the matter.”
