The Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday evening revealed that it has identified the organizers of the planned nationwide protest scheduled to commence on August 1st in response to the country’s economic hardship.
The Service has also pinpointed the funding sources, sponsors, and collaborators involved in the plot. However, the DSS believes that aggression is not the appropriate initial response to this developing situation.
In a statement obtained by The Explainer, the Service’s Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Peter Afunanya, warned all protest groups to refrain from any form of proposed violence, anarchy, and destruction.
While acknowledging that peaceful protest is a democratic right, the security agency has uncovered a sinister plan by certain elements to infiltrate the protest and instigate chaos and extreme violence.
The DSS has determined that the protest’s underlying motive is political. The plotters aim to use the anticipated violent outcome to discredit the federal and state governments, erode public support, and create divisions between the government and the people. Ultimately, their goal is to achieve a regime change, particularly at the federal level.
“Despite the various levels of government providing explanations for their plans to address the alleged harsh economic conditions, the Service urges potential protesters to exercise reason, good conscience, and engage with the authorities peacefully,” the statement read.
“It is crucial to avoid violence, which leads to the loss of lives and property and distracts from governance. The agitators are encouraged to explore alternative avenues for expressing their grievances without resorting to violence.”
Meanwhile, the DSS calls on well-meaning individuals, thought leaders, business leaders, labor unions, student associations, youth leaders, civil society organizations, religious leaders, NGOs, women’s groups, civil servants, and politicians to reject any involvement in orchestrated violence designed to destabilize the country.
Similarly, parents, guardians, traditional rulers, and academic institutions are advised to discourage their children, wards, subjects, and students from participating in the planned protest. Let us all work together to build a nation free from strife, bitterness, and discord.
“The Service will collaborate with other security and law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and will employ all lawful means to achieve this,”he said .
