Organizers of the planned nationwide protests have been cautioned by the Department of State Services against going ahead with their scheduled demonstrations.
A warning was issued by the service, citing intelligence indicating a scheme by certain criminal elements to exploit the protests and foment unrest across the country.
In light of the economic hardships faced by the nation, both the military and the police have also advised against the protests slated to take place from August 1 to 10.
In a statement released on Thursday, the DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, labeled the motivations behind the protests as being politically driven.
Afunanya further remarked that the instigators of the protests aimed to exploit any violent outcomes to tarnish the reputation of the federal and state governments.
He expressed, “While peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right, the Service has uncovered a sinister plan by certain elements to infiltrate the protests and instigate chaos and extreme violence. The underlying cause of the protests has been identified as political in nature.”
Afunanya advised the protesters to refrain from engaging in any form of lawlessness in the interest of maintaining peace.
“Given these circumstances, the Service strongly advises all protest groups to reject any proposed violence, disorder, or destruction. Despite the ongoing efforts by the various levels of government to address the alleged economic challenges, prospective demonstrators are urged to heed reason and engage constructively with the authorities for the sake of peace,” he added.
He also urged all citizens to decline any calls to participate in violent actions.
“The Service appeals to individuals of goodwill, influential figures, business leaders, labor unions, student bodies, youth representatives, civil society organizations, religious leaders, NGOs, women’s associations, public servants, and politicians to resist any temptations to partake in orchestrated violent activities intended to sow discord in the nation,” Afunanya stated.
“Likewise, parents, guardians, traditional and educational leaders are urged to counsel their children, wards, subjects, and students against involvement in the proposed protests. Let us unite to construct a nation free from discord, animosity, or tarnished reputations,” he emphasized.
“The Service will collaborate with other security and law enforcement agencies to uphold peace, employing all necessary and lawful means to achieve this objective where required,” Afunanya concluded.