THE Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday, March 29, said it has uncovered a plot to install an interim government in the country.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson Peter Afunanya, the Service said the plot is being championed by ‘misguided persons’ with ‘entrenched interests’.
The DSS described the alleged plot as an aberration aimed at undermining the country’s Constitution.
The agency alleged that part of the plot is to sponsor endless violent mass protests in major cities to warrant a declaration of a State of Emergency in the country.
“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 stated.
The Service pledged its commitment to a peaceful handover to a democratically elected administration on May 29.
All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Bola Tinubu was declared winner of the February 25 presidential election but the major opposition parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) are challenging the result declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“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,” the statement noted.
The agency further promised to collaborate with other security and law enforcement agencies to ensure seamless inaugurations come May 29.
Consequently, the DSS warned those allegedly planning to thwart democracy in the country to have a rethink. It warned that it would not hesitate to take decisive and necessary legal steps against people planning to prevent a peaceful handover.
This is the second time within a week that the DSS is raising the alarm over alleged plans to destabilise the country in the wake of the just concluded general elections.
The agency had earlier warned politicians against inciting statements that can lead to anarchy.
In a statement released on Saturday, March 25, by its spokesperson Peter Afunanya, the DSS noted that politicians should adopt an approach that would enhance peace, stability and security in the country.
The DSS warned that it would not tolerate attempts by persons or groups to take laws into their hands and champion anarchy.
The ICIR reported that APC presidential campaign spokesperson, Minister of State for Labour and Employment Festus Keyamo, had accused Labour Party presidential and vice presidential candidates Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed of making incendiary comments that were capable of causing rebellion and violence.
Keyamo specifically urged security agencies to arrest Obi and Datti.
A reporter with the ICIR
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