DSS Warns Against Violent Protest But ‘Some Elements’ Want to make Sept 6 A Date with protest

In a X post of the Department State Security Service (DSS) reeled out by its Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunaya, the Service has uncovered “some elements” planning to organise a violent protest in some parts of the country.

 

DSS said the violent protests are targeted to discredit the Federal Government and security agencies over sundry socio-economic matters.

 

Alleged that some Politicians are mobilizing students of tertiary institutions and unsuspecting youth to carry out the planned violent protests in some parts of the country, the service veiled.

 

Warning parents and Vice Chancellors of Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, it said the Service said that it will not take the action of violent protests in whatsoever, lightly.

“The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby informs the public that it has uncovered plans by some elements in parts of the country to stage violent protests in order to discredit the Federal Government and security agencies over sundry socio-economic matters. Intelligence reports have indicated that the plotters include certain politicians who are desperately mobilising unsuspecting student leaders, ethnic based associations, youth and disgruntled groups for the planned action. Meanwhile, the Service has identified the ring leaders of the plot as well as sustained monitoring around them in order to deter them from plunging the country into anarchy.

 

“In view of this development, University Vice-Chancellors and Heads of Tertiary Institutions are advised to discourage their students from engaging in acts capable of derailing public peace. Also, parents and guardians are enjoined to admonish their children and wards respectively to shun the lure of participating in inimical behaviours or conducts against law and order.

 

“While the DSS is aware of Government’s efforts and determination to resolve some of the challenges confronting the nation, it warns those desirous of subverting national security to retrace their steps. This is more so that it will not hesitate to legally come against persons and groups behind the devious plans,” the Service wrote on X post.

 

But this doesn’t go down with some users of X. Many who commented under the post as soon as it was posted cited the opposite of DSS warning and defiantly affirming that the protest will hold by 6th, September.

 

One of the users wrote, “Nobody is more Nigerian than other Nigerians. We are all ONE, and we will take our country back by the grace of God.”

 

Another one, wrote, “why did this sound like a comedy skit. It got me laughing 😆 Does DSS now do skits too? P.S: Be reminded though; Nigeria belongs to Nigerians. Truth is, you may try, but Nigeria will always belong to Nigerians. And if Nigerians want their country back; YOU CAN’T STOP IT!!!.

#AllEyesOnTheJudiciary

#AllEyesOnJudiciary”

 

“Putting out a statement first before arresting innocent people,” another user commented.”The lack of logic in your department is that, you can’t stop people from protesting until they become violent. That action hasn’t been taken so you jumping to warn or scare people is delusional. I know you don’t operate by the law, but be aware that you cannot stop people from protesting!”

 

However, a user who wrote a lengthy comment under the post said: “All Is Set For September 6th Protests

 

“SHUN THEIR PROPAGANDA, WE ARE WINNING

 

“Greatest Akokites, as we hit the street on Wednesday 6th September, 2023 to demand the reversal of the unjust fee hike imposed on us by Prof. Folashade Ogunsola-led Management and the Federal Government led by Mr Tinubu, it is imperative that we strongly echo some facts with a view to dislodge the propaganda the management would want to deploy to discourage students from participating in the protest.

 

“1) Indemnity Form and Legal backing. We are aware of the indemnity form signed by some of us. Indemnity simply means exemption of the University from legal liabilities. There is no provision of the indemnity form that has taken away the right of students to protest peacefully. This was further confirmed in the message sent by even the University management to students via LagMobile on August 8, 2023 where the management recognized the right to peaceful protest. Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association. Furthermore, the supremacy of the constitution stands as any mere paperwork from University of Lagos Senate cannot undermine the provision of the Constitution as enshrined in section 3 of the Constitution.

 

“2) On the issue of Police permit for protest. We will like to state categorically that Nigerians including students do not need to seek ANY police approval to hold peaceful protest. This long dispute has been settled by the Judiciary. In the case of All Nigeria Peoples Party & Ors. v. Inspector General of Police (2006) CHR 181, Honourable Justice Chinyere declared that “the requirement of police permit or other authority for the holding of rallies or processions in Nigeria is illegal and unconstitutional as it violates section 40 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 11 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (Cap 10) Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990”.

 

“The Court of Appeal further upheld this judgement, Justice Muhammad JCA declared that “In present day Nigeria, clearly police permit has outlived its usefulness. Certainly in a democracy, it is the right of citizens to conduct peaceful processions, rallies or demonstrations without seeking and obtaining permission from anybody. It is a right guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution and any law that attempts to curtail such right is null and void and of no consequence.

 

“3) Hijack and Invasion of protest by unscrupulous elements. We will like to state that we have expanded security committee that is saddled with the responsibility of providing security of lives of protesters as well as protection of University facilities against any form of vandalism. It is also the statutory duty of the Police to safeguard protesters during peaceful protests. We have restated this time and time again and we advise the Police to do its duty.

 

“We are technologically oriented, our protest will be covered by sophisticated technological tools. We will deplore our technological tools and our experienced security committee to fish any elements that may be sponsored by those we are up against. Our protests as we have already started will remain peaceful and we will not allow oppressive elements to silence students or scare them away from exercising their rights to disagree.

 

“4. Misinformation will become rampant as we get closer to the day.

Don’t be surprised if they start sending you messages that the protest will cause military coup, will bring terrorists to Lagos, will even wake up Osama Bin Laden, that it will cause do this and that.

All these lies are not new. It’s their stock-in-trade when they are afraid. When you see those things, just laugh them off because we are winning already. Come out and make our voices heard.

 

“Sept 6th is sacrosanct and no force above, on or under the earth can stop it! Solidarity!

#RevertFees #FeesMustFall #SaveUnilagStudents”.

 

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