DSS ‘uncovers’ plot to stage violent protest, two days before Presidential Tribunal ruling
The Department of State Services (DSS) announced on Monday, September 4, 2023, that it has uncovered plans by certain elements in Nigeria to orchestrate violent protests with the intention of discrediting the Federal Government and security agencies, just two days before the highly anticipated ruling by the Presidential Election Tribunal.
“Intelligence reports have indicated that the plotters include certain politicians who are desperately mobilizing unsuspecting student leaders, ethnic-based associations, youth, and disgruntled groups for the planned action,” the statement, signed by Peter Afunanya, the agency’s Public Relations Officer, reads in part.
As previously reported by Neusroom, the Presidential Tribunal has set Wednesday, September 6, 2023, as the date to rule on the election petitions filed by Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), against President Bola Tinubu and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
It has been 192 days since the February 25, 2023, presidential election, and 98 days since Bola Tinubu was sworn in as Nigeria’s 16th President. However, the contest over who will govern the affairs of Africa’s largest economy continues, and there are mounting tensions that protests could erupt across the country regardless of the court’s decision on the case.
To discourage the prospect of violent protests, the DSS emphasized that University Vice-Chancellors and Heads of Tertiary Institutions have been advised to dissuade their students from participating in any activities that could disrupt public peace.
