Outrage Over DSS Ban On Democracy Day Protests

Outrage has been sparked on social media after the Department of State Services (DSS) publicly warned against staging protests on Democracy Day.

Peter Afunanya, Public Relations Officer of the DSS, who made this known in a statement made available on its official X handle said, “The attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to plans by certain individuals and groups to stage physical protests in some parts of the country on 12th June, 2024. 

“The protests are designed with sinister objectives to coincide with the Democracy Day Celebration. While citizens may have the rights of assembly and expression, such freedoms should not be used to undermine public safety and national security.

“The determination by some non-state actors to incite mass disaffection through demonstrations that may turn violent will not be tolerated. However, it is instructive to note that violent demonstrations are at variance with the peaceful disposition of the Federal Government to amicably address all contentions including the minimum wage.”

The DSS further called upon Citizens to “resist any persuasions to be lawless or cause disorder and anarchy in the nation. Displeased persons are rather encouraged to appropriately channel their grievances through the right channels and procedures.”

Consequently, the DSS reaffirmed its unequivocal position to protect the country from inimical acts being orchestrated by disgruntled groups to cause a breakdown of law and order.

“It will also sustain collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, including sister security agencies, to maintain the peace as well as protect lives and property across the nation. Law abiding citizens are enjoined to go about their businesses without fear.”

The statement made by the DSS quickly sparked reactions. See some reactions gathered by gwg.ng below:

@RealQueen Bee said, “Hi @OfficialDSSNG are you aware that over 50 people were killed in Katsina yesterday? When are you warning the Bandits to stop killing innocent Nigerians that’re doing their businesses? Is it only people planning a protest against hunger in Nigeria that you know how to warn?”

@general_oluchi said, “There has never been a time you guys don’t convulse at the mention of a protest. Are you the one to choose the date and time for people to protest? One day, one day…that day is coming.”

@OgaMayorr said, “DEMOCRACY DAY CELEBRATION !! Very laughable, come out plainly and tell the people protest is outlawed because we have a totalitarian government pretending to be democratic… What is democratic about the government of the day ??? JUDICIARY HIJACKED NATIONAL ASSEMBLY HIJACKED MEDIA HIJACKED SECURITY OF THE PEOPLE HIJACKED EVEN THE HANDLER OF THIS PAGE KNOW ALL I SAID IS TRUE, HE/SHE WILL READ THIS COMMENT AND NOD IN AFFIRMATION BUT OPENLY.

“What is democratic about the government of the day ????? JOURNALISTS ARE PERSECUTED AND THE CITIZENS ARE LIVING IN IDPS WITH THE GOVERNMENT PROFFERING ZERO SOLUTIONS AND VERY UNWILLING TO ATTEND TO SUCH ISSUES..

“HUNGER IS THE BIGGEST INSECURITY IN THE COUNTRY AND I ADVISE YOU USE YOUR GOOD OFFICES TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ACCORDINGLY, FARMERS ARE HUNGRY AND TERRORISTS ARE FLEXING MUSCLES..

“SHOW STRENGTH IN COMBATTING TERRORISM AND ALL THERE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS AND NOT CUTTING CORNERS TO SILENCE THE CITIZENS WHO HAVE A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO PROTEST..”

@dancoded01 said, “Even in the almighty abacha’s regime, people were allowed to protest. Democracy my foot.”

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