DSS: We’ve identified sponsors of planned protest

The Department of State Services (DSS) says it has identified the sponsors of the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1 to August 10, 2024.

Some sections of Nigerians had announced the nationwide protest tagged, #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, over economic hardship in the country.

Speaking on the planned demonstration via a statement issued by its spokesperson, Dr Peter Afunanya, on Thursday, July 25, the DSS said while peaceful protest is a democratic right of citizens, the service has uncovered a “sinister plan” by some people to infiltrate the protest and use it to cause chaos and violence in Nigeria.

Afunanya noted that the secret police has also identified the reason behind the protest to be political, adding that the plotters desire to use the intended violent outcome to smear the federal and sub-national governments and pit them against Nigerians.

He stated: “The Service has identified, among others, the funding lines, sponsors and collaborators of the plot.

“However, it does not think that aggression should be the first line action in the instance, in handling the emerging scenario. It has instead, variously applied non-kinetic and conflict resolution strategies, including moral suasion, stakeholder engagement and other multi-track diplomatic shuttles, to dissuade the planners from actualising their undesirable objective.

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“Based on the foregoing, the Service wishes to warn all the protest groups to eschew any form of proposed rage, anarchy and spoliation.

“While the different levels of government have routinely explained their agenda to ameliorate alleged harsh economic conditions, the Service urges the prospective protesters to listen to the voice of reason, good conscience and patiently engage with the authorities, in the interest of peace.

“This has become important given that violence begets destruction of lives and property as well as serve as a distraction to governance. The agitators are encouraged to use ample ways available to them to channel their grievances without resorting to violence.”

The DSS spokesman, however, called on labour unions, student associations, civil servants, and politicians, among others, to “shun any invitation to participate in any orchestrated violence, deliberately designed to cause disaffection in the country”.

“Similarly, parents, guardians, heads of traditional and academic institutions are respectively urged to advise their children, wards, subjects and students not to take part in the planned protest. Let us all join hands to build a Nation without rancour, bitterness or stained banner,” Afunanya added.

The Star