Author: philip
Abuja—Following several months of speculations regarding a faction of the political hierarchy’s purported scheme to establish a transitional regime aimed at undermining the outcome of the just-concluded general elections, the Department of State Services (DSS) officially acknowledged yesterday that the plan was indeed authentic.
In a statement issued by Dr. Peter Afunanya, the DSS spokesperson revealed that the organization had uncovered the existence of a group of individuals who were planning to establish an interim government with the intention of subverting the results of the recently concluded general elections. However, the DSS declined to mention the identities of the masterminds behind the plot.
According to the agency, the organizers of this scheme have held multiple meetings in which they have considered various strategies to achieve their goals. These include financing and organizing mass demonstrations in cities across Nigeria, obtaining a warrant to declare a state of emergency, or obtaining a court injunction to prevent the swearing-in of the executive and legislative branches at both the federal and state levels.
The DSS views the pursuit of this agenda by entrenched interests as both aberrant and mischievous. Such actions seek to circumvent the constitution, undermine civil rule, and potentially plunge the country into a crisis that could have been avoided.
The act of illegality is completely unacceptable in a democratic society and goes against the peaceful nature of Nigerians. It is especially concerning that these actions are taking place following the peaceful elections held in most areas of the country.
During their numerous meetings, the planners have considered different options, including sponsoring violent protests in major cities to justify a State of Emergency declaration. They have also considered obtaining baseless court injunctions to prevent the inauguration of newly elected executive administrations and legislative houses at the Federal and State levels
The DSS fully endorses the President and Commander-in-Chief’s unwavering dedication to a smooth transition of power and will diligently strive towards achieving this goal.
Furthermore, it extends its support to the Presidential Transition Council and other affiliated organizations in the various states. The DSS will work in unison with them, as well as with other security and law enforcement agencies, to guarantee a seamless inauguration on May 29, 2023.”
As a result, the DSS issues a stern caution to those who are planning to sabotage democracy in the nation, urging them to abandon their deceitful plots and machinations.
It is imperative that stakeholders, particularly the judiciary, media, and civil society, remain vigilant and careful to prevent themselves from being exploited as tools to undermine peace and stability in the country.
The DSS will persist in its surveillance and will not hesitate to take resolute and appropriate legal measures against these misguided individuals to thwart their reprehensible objectives.
When asked for a response on this matter, the President-elect’s office declined to comment.
The Labour Party has expressed assurance that Nigerians will not be coerced into surrendering their lawful entitlement to pursue judicial recourse in reclaiming their mandate, which was rightfully bestowed upon LP’s Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, but was audaciously pilfered.
In response to the Department of State Services’ alarm raised in Abuja yesterday, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, the Chief Spokesperson of the Labour Party, stated that the party firmly believes that Nigerians who aspire to regain control of their nation will not succumb to intimidation or blackmail that obstructs their legitimate pursuits.
Tanko added that the party is committed to pursuing justice through constitutional means, and it is not in the interest of democracy for it to fail in Nigeria.
Furthermore, he posed a question to the DSS, asking where they were when LP members and other Nigerians were being attacked, injured, and killed, particularly in Lagos. He also questioned the DSS’s whereabouts when MC Oluomo and others were involved in ethnic profiling and violence against Nigerians of a specific ethnic group due to their democratic choices.
The failure of the DSS to perform effectively in the past has resulted in Nigeria missing out on crucial opportunities for progress. Had the agency fulfilled its obligations, our nation would have been in a better state today.
As Nigerians now choose to follow the democratic procedures of addressing injustice, warnings and threats are being issued. However, these warnings should have come from the DSS right from the start. By doing so, the agency would have demonstrated that Nigeria belongs to everyone and not just a select group or individual.
We strongly urge the DSS to go beyond mere announcements and take action by cautioning those who are promoting hatred and violence against fellow Nigerians who do not share their political views or language. This is critical in preventing the country from being pushed to the brink of destruction by bigots.
The chairman of IPAC, Yabagi Sani, has called on the DSS to arrest those responsible for the alleged plot. Sani expressed concern that the announcement could escalate tensions and suggested that it may serve as a deterrent to others. He also referenced a report in which the Labour Party’s Presidential running mate, Datti Baba Ahmed, appeared to suggest that the President-elect should not be sworn in.
Law enforcement agencies must not shirk their responsibilities. It is important to avoid sending the wrong message by selectively targeting opposition politicians. The recent example of the US, where action was taken against President Trump when he attempted to interfere with the inauguration of President Biden, should be followed. Protecting democracy is paramount, and agencies such as the police and DSS, as well as the presidency, should act if anyone attempts to disrupt it.
The federal government has stated that the inauguration of President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, will proceed as scheduled. Any presidential candidates with grievances are advised to seek redress in court.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, has stated that even ongoing court cases will not prevent the inauguration of President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Mustapha emphasized that the transition process will continue as scheduled, without creating any constitutional crisis. The handover ceremony is set to take place on May 29.
