*But vows to frustrate it
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
Information about plot to make President Muhammadu Buhari not to handover power to president-elect produced from the February 25, 2023 election but a Head of Interim National Government (ING) on May 29 is real, The DEFENDER can authoritatively report.
This was confirmed by the Department of State Services (DSS), in a statement by its Spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunanya, copy of which was sent to The DEFENDER on Wednesday.
According to the statement, Afunanya said the plot to set aside the constitution and install an interim government by “misguided” political actors is real but vowed that the secret police will use all arsenals at its disposal to frustrate such plot.
The DSS, the statement said, has identified some key players in the plot for an ING as it “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 an avoidable crisis.
“The illegality is totally unacceptable in a democracy and to the peace loving Nigerians. This is even more so that the machination is taking place after the peaceful conduct of the elections in most parts of the country.”
It said, “The planners, in their many meetings, have weighed various options, which include, among others, to sponsor endless violent mass protests in major cities to warrant a declaration of State of Emergency.
“Another is to obtain frivolous court injunctions to forestall the inauguration of new executive administrations and legislative houses at the Federal and State levels.
“The DSS supports the President and Commander-in-Chief in his avowed commitment to a hitch-free handover and will assiduously work in this direction. It also supports the Presidential Transition Council and such other related bodies in the States.
“It will collaborate with them and sister security and law enforcement agencies to ensure seamless inaugurations come 29th May, 2023.
“Consequently, the Service strongly warns those organising to thwart democracy in the country to retract from their devious schemes and orchestrations.
“Stakeholders, notably judicial authorities, media and the Civil Society, are enjoined to be watchful and cautious to avoid being used as instruments to subvert peace and stability of the nation.
“While its monitoring continues, the DSS will not hesitate to take decisive and necessary legal steps against these misguided elements to frustrate their obnoxious intentions,” the secret agency said.
