The Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday issued a stern warning against the planned nationwide protest aimed at addressing the economic hardships in the country.
In a press statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Peter Afunanya, the security agency disclosed that it had identified the sponsors of the protest as it urges individuals planning a nationwide protest to reconsider and avoid any actions that could lead to disorder and destruction.
The DSS further acknowledged that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, it has uncovered a plot by certain elements to infiltrate the protest and incite chaos and violence.
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The statement explained that the underlying motive of the protest is political, with the plotters aiming to use the potential violence to discredit the federal and state governments, making them unpopular and turning public sentiment against them, with the ultimate goal of achieving regime change at the national level.
The DSS also noted that it has identified the funding sources, sponsors, and collaborators behind the plot. It is urging parents, guardians, and leaders of traditional and educational institutions to advise their children, wards, subjects, and students not to participate in the protest.
“The Service has identified, among others, the funding lines, sponsors, and collaborators of the plot. However, it believes that aggression should not be the first line of action in addressing the emerging scenario,” the DSS stated.
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The statement further mentioned that the DSS will cooperate with other security and law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and, if necessary, will use all legitimate methods to do so.
The protest, scheduled for August 1, is intended to express dissatisfaction with the current economic hardship in the country. However, government authorities are calling for patience and urging organizers to trust in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
