Politics

DSS Reveals Sponsors of Planned Nationwide Protest, Issues Warning

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 25th, 2024.

DSS Reveals Sponsors of Planned Nationwide Protest, Issues Warning

The Department of State Services (DSS) has revealed the sponsors and funding sources behind the planned nationwide protests set for next month.

In a statement released on Thursday by the Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Peter Afunanya, the DSS reported uncovering a plot by certain elements to infiltrate the protests and incite chaos and extreme violence across the country. According to News360 Nigeria, the long-term goal of these actions is to initiate a regime change at the federal level under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The statement reads:

“The Department of State Services (DSS) has been monitoring the discussions surrounding the planned protests in various parts of the country in the coming weeks by individuals and groups who have yet to publicly identify themselves as leaders. While peaceful protest is a democratic right, the Service has confirmed a sinister plan by some elements to infiltrate the protest and use it to cause chaos and extreme violence. The reason behind the protest has been identified as political, with the plotters aiming to use the resulting violence to discredit the federal and sub-national governments, making them unpopular and setting them against the masses. The ultimate objective is to achieve a regime change, particularly at the Centre.

“The Service has identified the funding lines, sponsors, and collaborators involved in the plot. However, it does not believe that aggression should be the first response in this scenario. Instead, it has employed various non-kinetic and conflict resolution strategies, including moral suasion, stakeholder engagement, and diplomatic measures, to dissuade the planners from pursuing their undesirable objectives.

“Given this, the Service warns all protest groups to avoid any form of rage, anarchy, or destruction. The different levels of government have explained their efforts to address the alleged harsh economic conditions, and the Service urges prospective protesters to listen to reason, exercise good conscience, and engage patiently with the authorities in the interest of peace. Violence only leads to the destruction of lives and property and distracts from governance. Protesters are encouraged to use the available channels to express their grievances without resorting to violence.

“The Service calls on people of goodwill, leaders of thought, industry captains, labor unions, student associations, youth leaders, civil society, clergy, NGOs, women’s groups, civil servants, and politicians to reject any invitation to participate in orchestrated violence designed to cause disaffection in the country. Similarly, parents, guardians, traditional and academic institution heads are urged to advise their children, wards, subjects, and students not to participate in the planned protest. Let us all work together to build a nation without rancor or bitterness.

“The Service will collaborate with other security and law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and will, if necessary, use all legitimate methods to achieve this. The DSS website, dss.gov.ng, email address – dsspr@dss.gov.ng, and telephone lines +2349153391309 and +2349088373514 will remain available for public contact.”