The Department of State Services on Monday says it has uncovered plans by some politicians across the country to stage violent protests in order to discredit the Federal Government and security agencies over socio-economic matters.
DSS confirmed this in a statement by the agency’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Peter Afunanya.
It read, “DSS hereby informs the public that it has uncovered plans by some elements in parts of the country to stage violent protests in order to discredit the Federal Government and security agencies over sundry socio-economic matters.
“Intelligence reports have indicated that the plotters include certain politicians who are desperately mobilising unsuspecting student leaders, ethnic-based associations, youth and disgruntled groups for the planned action.”
The Service further stated that it has identified the ring leaders of the plot, adding that it is monitoring them in order to prevent them from plunging the country into anarchy.
The statement added, “In view of this development, University Vice-Chancellors and Heads of Tertiary Institutions are advised to discourage their students from engaging in acts capable of derailing public peace.
“Also, parents and guardians are enjoined to admonish their children and wards respectively to shun the lure of participating in inimical behaviours or conducts against law and order.
“While the DSS is aware of the Government’s efforts and determination to resolve some of the challenges confronting the nation, it warns those desirous of subverting national security to retrace their steps.
“This is more so that it will not hesitate to legally come against persons and groups behind the devious plans,” it concluded.
Recall that the presidential election petition tribunal had fixed September to hear the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party and its standard bearer, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi and the Labour Party challenging President Bola Tinubu’s victory at the February 25 Presidential election.
The tribunal had previously reserved the judgment after the petitioners closed their cases in June after calling 40 out of the 150 witnesses earlier listed in their petitions against the All Progressives Congress and Tinubu.
While Tinubu’s lawyer prayed for a successful outcome, Atiku’s legal team admonished the tribunal to “shun executive intimidation and dispense judgment on the matter.”
