Nigeria’s top intelligence agency, Department of State Services DSS, claimed in a press release that they have identified some anonymous key figures preparing the nation for an interim administration.
The DSS called the scheme an anomaly and claimed it would undermine civil authority and throw the nation into a preventable disaster. The service’s spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, revealed them in a statement.
The press release’s headline said, “DSS confirms foolish political actors’ plot for temporary government.”, partly read, “The 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. ”
In multiple meetings, according to Afunanya, these political figures discussed organising violent protests in the nation’s major cities, which would trigger the establishment of a State of Emergency.
He said, “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. ”
He said, “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. “
He further called on the judiciary, civil society organisations, and the media to keep an eye out for individuals who were plotting these plots and urged them to stop.
Afunanya noted that his organisation would use all legal tools at its disposal to protect the nation’s democracy.
