Department of State Services (DSS) and the police have warned individuals planning to protest on Democracy Day to desist from doing so, citing potential violence and disruption of public safety.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to a statement by DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya, “The determination by some non-state actors to incite mass disaffection through demonstrations that may turn violent will not be tolerated.”
Afunanya urged Nigerians to “resist any persuasions to be lawless or cause disorder and anarchy in the nation.”
Meanwhile, Police Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi warned that “no decent society anywhere in the world will tolerate violent destruction of lives and properties in the name of a protest.”
Adejobi advised those who wish to protest peacefully to inform the police and request protection, while warning that “those who do otherwise should be ready to face the full weight of the law.”
The security agencies emphasized that while citizens have the right to assemble and express themselves, these freedoms should not be used to undermine public safety and national security.
