The Department of State Services (DSS) says a plot is afoot by some misguided political actors to install an interim government at the expiration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure.
The spokesman of the DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday evening.
According to Afunanya, the “entrenched interests” behind the plot have weighed various options to achieve their sinister goal, including sponsoring violent mass protests to warrant a declaration of state of emergency and obtaining frivolous court injunctions to halt the inauguration of President-elect Bola Tinubu on May 29.
“The Department of State Services (DSS) has identified some key players in the plot for an Interim Government in Nigeria.
“The Service considers the plot, being pursued by these entrenched interests, as not only an aberration but a mischievous way to set aside the constitution and undermine civil rule as well as plunge the country into an avoidable crisis. The illegality is totally unacceptable in a democracy and to the peace loving Nigerians.
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“This is even more so that the machination is taking place after the peaceful conduct of the elections in most parts of the country.
“The planners, in their many meetings, have weighed various options, which include, among others, to sponsor endless violent mass protests in major cities to warrant a declaration of State of Emergency.
“Another is to obtain frivolous court injunctions to forestall the inauguration of new executive administrations and legislative houses at the Federal and State levels,” the DSS said.
The secret police noted that it supports President Muhammadu Buhari in his avowed commitment to a hitch-free handover and will assiduously work in this direction.
It also declared its support for the Presidential Transition Council and such other related bodies in the states.
“It will collaborate with them and sister security and law enforcement agencies to ensure seamless inaugurations come 29th May, 2023.
“Consequently, the Service strongly warns those organising to thwart democracy in the country to retract from their devious schemes and orchestrations.
“Stakeholders, notably judicial authorities, media and the Civil Society, are enjoined to be watchful and cautious to avoid being used as instruments to subvert peace and stability of the nation.
“While its monitoring continues, the DSS will not hesitate to take decisive and necessary legal steps against these misguided elements to frustrate their obnoxious intentions,” the statement further read.