A coalition of civil society organizations has called on the Department of State Services, DSS, to arrest activist Omoyele Sowore over alleged threats to Nigeria’s national security.
The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations for Good Governance in Nigeria made the demand during a rally in Abuja, where it also passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s administration and DSS Director-General Ajayi Oluwatosin.
Addressing supporters at the rally, National Chairman of Nigeria Citizens Watch for Good Governance, Collins Eshiofeh, commended the Tinubu administration for its Renewed Hope Agenda and the approval of a new national minimum wage. Eshiofeh said the government should be given the opportunity to implement its policies without distractions.
The coalition also praised the DSS for what it described as its efforts to combat terrorism, banditry and other security threats in the country.
However, the group accused Sowore of engaging in activities it said posed a threat to national security and urged the DSS to arrest and prosecute him.
Eshiofeh alleged, without providing evidence, that Sowore was linked to external interests seeking to destabilize Nigeria.
“Even the most vigilant government must be reminded of a festering wound that requires urgent surgical attention. While the DSS has neutralized many threats to our national security, under the superb leadership of President Tinubu, there remains one man who continues to insult the intelligence of this nation.
“That man is Mr Omoyele Sowore. He parades himself as an activist, but we know the truth: he is a merchant of chaos, a purveyor of anarchy and a threat to our collective peace.
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“Reports have allegedly linked him to external machineries whose only agenda is to set our country ablaze and reduce Nigeria to a failed state.
He calls for revolution, not because he loves Nigeria, but because he is being sponsored to destabilize the very fabric of our governance.
“The only thing this administration has not done is to arrest and prosecute Mr Omoyele Sowore. We are here today to demand that this be done without further delay.
We say no to criminality in the name of activism. We say unite against terror. We say no to subversive elements. We say no to permissive terrorism.
“The time for selective justice is over. The sovereignty of Nigeria is not negotiable. No individual, no matter how connected, should be allowed to hold the nation to ransom under the guise of opposition.”
Eshiofeh urged President Tinubu and the DSS to continue their efforts to safeguard the country while ensuring that all actions are taken in accordance with the law.
The coalition also called on security agencies and other relevant institutions to discharge their constitutional responsibilities professionally, impartially and in line with the rule of law.
According to the group, Nigerians deserve a country where justice is administered fairly, public safety is guaranteed and citizens’ rights are protected. It said it remained committed to promoting good governance, accountability and constructive civic engagement.
The Guardian
