The Department of State Services has confirmed and identified some key players in a plot for an interim government in Nigeria after President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure on May 29.
The DSS said the illegality was totally unacceptable in a democracy and to the peace-loving Nigerians.
The Spokesperson of the DSS, Dr Peter Afunnanya, said the Service considered the plot, being pursued by the entrenched interests a mischievous way to set aside the constitution and undermine civil rule whilst plunging the country into an avoidable crisis.
He said: “This is even more so as the machination is taking place after the peaceful conduct of the election in most parts of the country.
“The planners in their many meetings have weighed many options, which include, among others, to sponsor endless violent mass protests in major cities to warrant a declaration of State of Emergency.”
Dr Afunnanya further stated that, “another (plot) is to obtain frivolous court injunctions to forestall the inauguration of new executive administrations and legislative houses and the federal and state levels.”
He warned those involved to stop with the plans , adding “DSS supports the president and commander-in-chief in his avowed commitment to a hitch-free handover, and will assiduously work in this direction.”
“It also supports the presidential transition council and such other related bodies in the state.
“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 security 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.”