By Dennis Erezi, Guardian Newspaper
On Wednesday, the Department of State Services (DSS) said it has confirmed plots by some political actors to introduce an interim government in Nigeria.
President Muhammadu Buhari will finish his second tenure on May 29 when president-elect Bola Tinubu is expected to be sworn in as the next Nigeria president.
Buhari at separate times insisted that he does not plan to stay in office beyond the constitutional eight years – since May 29, 2015, when he took over from former President Goodluck Jonathan.
However, DSS spokesman Peter Afunanya in a statement said the secret police had identified some key players behind the plots to truncate democracy after the 2023 general election.
Afunanya said the DSS “considers the plot being pursued by these entrenched interests as not only an aberration but a mischievous way to set aside the constitution and undermine civil rule as well as plunge the country into crisis.”
“The illegality is totally unacceptable in a democracy and to the peace-loving Nigerians,” Afunanya added.
The DSS spokesman said the plots to impose an interim government are being planned through protests in the country and court orders to block the transition of power to the next government.
Afunanya said the DSS supports the Transition Council and Buhari in his avowed commitment to hitch-free handover and assured that the president will work to achieve it.
He said the DSS would collaborate with the council and other security agencies to ensure a seamless inauguration of the next government on May 29, 2023.
“Consequently, the service strongly warns those organizing to thwart democracy in the country to retract from their devious schemes and orchestrations,” Afunanya warned.
He urged media organizations, judicial authorities, and civil societies to be watchful and cautious to avoid being used as instruments to subvert peace and stability in Nigeria.
“While monitoring, the DSS will not hesitate to take decisive and necessary legal steps against these misguided elements to frustrate their obvious intentions.”
Short Link:
