Victor Ezeja
The Department of State Services (DSS) has raised the alarm about plans to disrupt the swear-in ceremony of Nigeria’s President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Monday, May 29.
In a statement signed by the spokesperson of DSS, Dr Peter Afunanya, released Thursday morning, the service assured that it would collaborate with other sister security agencies to provide effective security during the inauguration.
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The secret service warned those planning to disrupt the event and cause panic, to stay from the venue.
Afunanya said the Service is aware of plans by “subversive elements to disrupt the programmes in parts of the country.”
He stated that the aim is to undermine security agencies’ efforts at ensuring peaceful ceremonies as well as creating panic and fear among members of the public.
He urged citizens, the media and Civil Society Organisations to adhere strictly to security and civil protocols during the events.
He also urged the people and media professionals to avoid spreading fake news, raising false alarms, skewed reportage and sensationalism. Such he said, may likely heighten tension inflame division and cause violence prior to and after the exercises and such development could do more harm than good in terms of destroying national unity and cohesion.
The service also warned that unauthorized persons are to stay away from restricted or designated areas at the event venues.
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
“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.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
