#EndBadGovernance protest: DSS alleges anarchy plot, as Lagos Govt denies Oro festival involvement
…I engaged in peaceful protests for democracy, won’t condone destruction — Tinubu
…Ooni, Dein, Zazzau Emir others urge peace, warn against hijacked protests
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Department of State Services (DSS) has revealed that it has uncovered a sinister plot by some elements to infiltrate planned protests in the country and use them to cause chaos and extreme violence, with the ultimate goal of achieving regime change at the federal level.
The DSS, in a statement signed on Thursday by its Director of Public Relations & Stratcoms, Peter Afunanya, said it has identified the sponsors and funding lines of the protests, which are planned to hold next month.
According to the statement, the plotters desire to use the intended violent outcome to smear the federal and sub-national governments and pit them against the masses.
“The Service has confirmed a sinister plan by some elements to infiltrate the protest and use it to cause chaos and extreme violence in the land,” the statement reads.
“It has also identified the reason behind the protest to be political. The plotters desire to use the intended violent outcome to smear the federal and sub-national governments; make them unpopular and pit them against the masses.”
The DSS warned the protest groups to eschew any form of proposed rage, anarchy, and spoliation, and urged them to listen to the voice of reason and patiently engage with the authorities.
“The agitators are encouraged to use ample ways available to them to channel their grievances without resorting to violence,” the statement added.
The Service called on people of goodwill, leaders of thought, and various groups to shun any invitation to participate in the orchestrated violence.
“Let us all join hands to build a Nation without rancour, bitterness or stained banner,” it added.
…Lagos Govt denies Oro festival involvement
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has denied involvement in the Oro Festival, a traditional Yoruba cultural event scheduled to hold from August 1 to 15, amid allegations that it’s a ploy to disrupt the planned #EndBadGovernance protest.
However, rights activists, including Omoyele Sowore and Aisha Yesufu, have criticised the government’s announcement, calling it a “huge joke” and insisting that the protest will proceed as planned.
In a tweet by Lagospedia, a public announcement was issued on Wednesday, warning Lagos residents and visitors of the upcoming Oro festival, advising them to be aware of the traditional celebration and its associated restrictions.
According to the tweet, “Attention Residents and Visitors of Lagos. Please be informed that the Oro Festival will be observed in various communities across Lagos from 1st of August to August 15. This traditional Yoruba cultural event involves significant rituals. Retweet for awareness.”
The government informed residents and visitors of the festival, which has generated reactions, with many alleging that the state wants to use the festival to disrupt the planned nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest.
Also, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, described the Oro festival as a religious activity by traditional religious worshippers, stating that they have the right to worship according to the constitution.
“Oro festival is like Muslim and Christian activities and has no business with the Lagos State government interference. We don’t have a hand in how any religious group goes about their lawful activities,” he said.
He emphasised that the protesters and traditional worshippers have the same rights and should not stand in each other’s way to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Also, The De Renaissance Patriots Foundation described the government’s move as “bastardising our cultures and traditions.”
“This government is bastardising our cultures and traditions. What business does the state government have with ‘Oro’ and for what purpose? Let’s assume that the protesters defy this, and we think they should. How will the state enforce it as such enforcement is tantamount to a restriction of their fundamental human rights of freedom of movement, association, etc? Again, for the Oro festival, will the government declare a work-free week?
“Government should separate our traditions from this impending madness. What will the government do to assuage the feelings of those who will not be able to conduct their legitimate business during this period of malaise that the government is getting into? Yoruba will regret this unconscionable act of the government hiding behind this spiritual and traditional act in trying to scuttle the protest. Can’t they find another means?”
Omoyele Sowore tweeted, “Oro festival in Lagos now allegedly scheduled for the first two weeks of August. The exact same period as the planned protests by the youths.”
Also, Aisha Yesufu Jibrilla reacted, “The prestigious Oro Festival is now a political tool. Y’all now understand why they tried to ban ‘Gangs of Lagos’ because it exposed them.”
In the same vein, President Bola Tinubu has emphasised the importance of peaceful protests in a democracy, drawing from his personal experience.
He stated, “During the military era, we made our voices heard against dictatorship, and I was part of the group that engaged in peaceful protests without resorting to the destruction of property.”
He has reaffirmed his commitment to democracy and peaceful protests, while also emphasising the need to prevent destruction of lives and property. Receiving the Letter of Credence from the new US Ambassador, Richard Mills Jr., Tinubu said, “We believe in democracy and freedom. We have worked hard to ensure 25 years of unbroken democracy, and I will continue to maintain this democracy.”
He acknowledged his personal experience in peaceful protests, stating, “During the military era, we made our voices heard against dictatorship, and I was part of the group that engaged in peaceful protests without resorting to the destruction of property.”
Tinubu emphasised the importance of sustaining democracy, its norms, and institutions, while also calling for increased US partnership in Africa. Ambassador Mills pledged US support for Nigeria’s democracy and announced the establishment of a special office to work with the EFCC on cybercrimes.
In a meeting with President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, traditional rulers from across Nigeria, including the Ooni of Ife, Dein of Agbor, and Emir of Zazzau, appealed for peaceful protests and warned against demonstrations that may be hijacked by individuals with ulterior motives.
Traditional rulers from across Nigeria met with President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, urging peace and cautioning against protests that may be hijacked by individuals with ulterior motives.
The meeting, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, came amid plans for a nationwide protest on August 1.
Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, emphasised the importance of peaceful protests, stating, “People that are out there to protest, it’s their civic right, but let them put a face to it and don’t let it be hijacked by people that have ulterior motives.”Dein of Agbor, Keagborekuzi 1 Ikechuku Gbenoba, warned against setting the country on fire, saying, “Let’s go home. Let’s continue to strive the best that we can and continue to work with the government to see if we can offer some solutions.”
Emir of Zazzau, Nuhu Bamali, called for patience, expressing optimism that Nigeria will regain its lost glory. “Nobody will be worried about the protests in any place in the world, we are calling on our people to exercise patience and listen to the words of wisdom.”
The traditional rulers also apprised Tinubu of the problems in the North, particularly insecurity. Bamali stated, “The main problem in this country, especially in the north, is insecurity. If the security situation is addressed, certainly people will go back to their farms, and the issue of hunger will drastically reduce and disappear.”
