The Department of State Services (DSS) has revealed that it uncovered a plot by certain individuals to organize a protest demanding the release of the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele. The Service discovered that these groups intend to gather at various locations in Abuja and Lagos in the coming week, wielding placards that portray the Service and the government in a negative light, while demanding Emefiele’s immediate release.
Dr. Peter Afunanya, the spokesperson for the DSS, stated that the Service has identified the individuals and groups involved in planning these malicious campaigns against it and the government, specifically targeting the suspension and investigation of Emefiele. He emphasized that this propaganda aims to undermine and distract the Service from effectively executing its crucial responsibilities.
Afunanya expressed concern over the misleading commentaries, speculative narratives, storylines, and videos circulating on social media by uninformed parties, critics, and desperate individuals. He also acknowledged the possibility of infiltrators seeking to exploit disloyal staff within the Service for subversive purposes against its leadership. While the Service recognizes these efforts as deliberate distractions, it issues a warning to the plotters to immediately cease their plans.
Furthermore, the DSS warned that it will not hesitate to apprehend those organizing the protest, as it has already identified and closely monitored their activities. Afunanya stressed that the key figures involved are already under surveillance and will be arrested if necessary. He further clarified that the Service has diligently followed standard operating procedures in handling and investigating suspects, granting Emefiele’s family, medical officials, and appropriate individuals access to him since his detention began, even before the court order mandated it.
The DSS emphasizes its commitment to conducting its affairs transparently, professionally, and in accordance with the rule of law, as mandated by democratic governance. The Service assures the public of its professionalism in handling the current matters within its purview and declares its determination to remain focused and undeterred by distractions or intimidation.