In a statement signed by Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Peter Afunaya, the Department of State Services (DSS) warned of a sinister plan by certain elements to infiltrate an upcoming protest and incite chaos and extreme violence.
The DSS emphasized that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, it has uncovered a political motive behind the protest. The plotters aim to use the resulting violence to discredit the federal and sub-national governments, make them unpopular, and ultimately push for a regime change, especially at the national level.
The statement read, “While peaceful protest is a democratic right of citizens, the Service has confirmed a sinister plan by some elements to infiltrate the protest and use it to cause chaos and extreme violence in the land.”
The DSS disclosed that it has identified the funding lines, sponsors, and collaborators of the plot. The agency urged parents, guardians, and leaders of traditional and academic institutions to advise their children, wards, subjects, and students against participating in the planned protest.
“The Service has also identified, among others, the funding lines, sponsors, and collaborators of the plot. However, it does not think that aggression should be the first line of action in handling the emerging scenario,” the statement added.
The DSS assured that it would collaborate with other security and law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and, if necessary, employ all legitimate methods to achieve this.
The planned protest, scheduled for August 1, aims to address the prevailing economic hardship in the country. However, government authorities are calling for patience and urging the organizers to have faith in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
