The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday disclosed that it has discovered some key individuals plotting to stop the May 29 handover to a new government and force an interim government in Nigeria.
According to the DSS in a statement by its spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, the plot by the identified individuals is to set aside the constitution and undermine civil rule, sponsor mass protests as well as plunge the country into an avoidable crisis in order to make way for the planned interim government.
The statement added that the individuals involved in the plot plan to obtain frivolous court injunctions to forestall the May 29 inauguration of new executive administrations and legislative houses at the Federal and State levels.
The DSS however vowed that it would work with all relevant organizations, individuals, and groups to ensure a seamless and successful inauguration on May 29, 2023, as promised by President Muhammadu Buhari to hand over to a new administration of the President-elect, Bola Tinubu.
The secret police, therefore, warned those plotting to thwart democracy in Nigeria to retract from their devious schemes and orchestrations.
It also warned stakeholders including judicial authorities, media, and the civil society to be watchful and cautious to avoid being used as instruments to subvert the peace and stability of the nation.
The DSS vowed to continue monitoring and not hesitate in taking decisive and necessary legal steps against these misguided elements to frustrate their obnoxious intentions.
Below is the full statement.
“The Department of State Services (DSS) has identified some key players in the plot for an Interim Government in Nigeria. The Service considers the plot, being pursued by these entrenched interests, as not only an aberration but a mischievous way to set aside the constitution and undermine civil rule as well as plunge the country into an avoidable crisis. The illegality is totally unacceptable in a democracy and to the peace loving Nigerians.
This is even more so that the machination is taking place after the peaceful conduct of the elections in most parts of the country. The planners, in their many meetings, have weighed various options, which include, among others,to sponsor endless violent mass protests in major cities to warrant a declaration of State of Emergency. Another is to obtain frivolous court injunctions to forestall the inauguration of new executive administrations and legislative houses at the Federal and State levels.
“The DSS supports the President and Commander-in-Chief in his avowed commitment to a hitch-free handover and will assiduously work in this direction. It also supports the Presidential Transition Council and such other related bodies in the States.
It will collaborate with them and sister security and law enforcement agencies to ensure seamless inaugurations come 29th May, 2023.
“Consequently, the Service strongly warns those organising to thwart democracy in the country to retract from their devious schemes and orchestrations.
“Stakeholders, notably judicial authorities, media and the Civil Society, are enjoined to be watchful and cautious to avoid being used as instruments to subvert peace and stability of the nation.
While its monitoring continues, the DSS will not hesitate to take decisive and necessary legal steps against these misguided elements to frustrate their obnoxious intentions.”
