The Department of State Security Services, DSS, on Thursday said it has uncovered fresh plots by “subversive elements” to disrupt the handover ceremonies in some parts of the country.
In a statement released on Thursday by the spokesperson for the service, Peter Afunanya, revealed that these elements plan to undermine the efforts of the security agencies as well as cause panic among the citizens during the swearing in of Bola Tinubu as president and the inauguration of newly elected governors in parts of the country.
Afunanya explained that these elements are employing fake news, false alarms, skewed reportage or narratives and sensationalism that may likely inflame division, tension and subsequently cause violence prior to and after the exercises
It would be recalled that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the Presidential Transition Council on May 18, 2023, held a World Press Conference during which he announced activities for the Presidential inauguration, the statement read.
“The major highlight of the activities is the swearing-in of the President on May 29, 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”, it read.
The Service advised citizens, the media, and Civil Society Organisations to adhere strictly to security and civil protocols for the events across the country.
The spokesperson further urged Nigerians to shun fake news that could cause violence in the country, adding that unaccredited persons should stay away from the inauguration venues.
He called on Nigerians to remain calm before, during and after the inauguration, adding that DSS would continue to collaborate with the Nigerian police, the military and other sisters’ security agencies in order to tame all the threats.
