The Department of State Services (DSS) has raised a fresh alarm over alleged plot by some people to disrupt the Monday’s inauguration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the new President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In a statement Thursday in Abuja by its spokesman, Peter Afunaya, the secret security agency, however, warned that it would not allow the subversive elements in charge of the sinister plans to have their way.
The DSS pointed out that those against the inauguration, planned to undermine security agencies’ efforts at ensuring peaceful ceremonies as well as creating panic and fear among members of the public.
To combat the subversive elements, the DSS urged citizens, the media, and Civil Society Organisations to adhere strictly to security and civil protocols during the events.
It also warned members of the public to shun fake news, false alarms, skewed reportage/narratives, and sensationalism that may likely inflame division, tension and violence prior to and after the exercises.
Furthermore, those who have no business at the inauguration venue in Abuja and other venues in the states have been warned to stay away from such locations.
The statement reads: “It would be recalled that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the Presidential Transition Council (PTC) on 18th May, 2023 held a World Press Conference during which he announced activities for the Presidential inauguration. The major highlight of the activities is the swearing-in of the President on 29th May, 2023 in Abuja. On the same date, new Governors will also be inaugurated in most of the States.
“The Service is, however, aware of plans by subversive elements to disrupt the programmes in parts of the country. The aim is to undermine security agencies’ efforts at ensuring peaceful ceremonies as well as creating panic and fear among members of the public.
“Based on these, citizens, the media and Civil Society Organisations are advised to adhere strictly to security and civil protocols during the events. They are also urged to shun fake news, false alarms, skewed reportage/narratives and sensationalism that may likely inflame division, tension and violence prior to and after the exercises. This is more so that such undesirable acts will serve no purpose other than destroying national unity and cohesion. Additionally, all unauthorised (and unaccredited) persons are warned to stay away from restricted and certain designated areas at the event venues.
“The Service reiterates its earlier call for the populace to remain calm and law abiding. Meanwhile, it will continue to sustain collaboration with sister agencies to ensure successful inaugurations.”
AMAC meets security chiefs
In a related development, Chairman Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu has demanded for security to be stepped up in the council and its environments.
The council boss stated this during a closed door meeting with security forces comprising the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Customs Service, the Nigerian Immigration Service(NIS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and AMAC Marshal.
He asked them to adequately mobilise their personnel and equipment to safeguard the Council and also identify the hotspots and curtail break down of law and order, saying his findings proved that both personnel and equipment are also being deployed to man strategic locations within and around the city to ensure a hitch-free exercise.
He said: “From experience, when there is any change of government, there is always the tendency for fear to be heightened. This year’s inauguration is not an exception, especially as a result of violent activities witnessed before and after the 2023 general elections.
“For some weeks now, security agencies, especially the Department of State Services, the Nigerian army and even the Inspector General of Police have raised the alarm over the intention of some miscreants and undesirable elements to scuttle the plans of the inauguration of President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 29.
“The concerns are genuine and should not be wished away by just a wave of the hand. Here at AMAC, security is very important for us as we pay particular interest in the protection of lives and property of residents, especially as AMAC is the landlord of the seat of power and other establishments, both local and foreign.
“Therefore, we want to task the Federal Government to tighten security across the council ahead of the inauguration ceremony. That is the main reason we called for this meeting and asked the security forces to start raiding hideouts of criminals and thugs who could be used to foment trouble on the inauguration day.
“In the last few days, we have seen some backdrop of protests by some Nigerians who felt dissatisfied with the electoral victory of the president-elect, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We encourage the security agencies here to deploy plainclothes and intelligence operatives to contain any outbreak of violence on the day of the inauguration.”
