Pat Utomi has described the recent claim by the Department of State Services, DSS, that some persons were trying to impose an Interim National Government, ING, on the country as false. Rather, the human rights activist, and Labour Party, LP, chieftain alleged that the DSS is trying to subvert the country’s democracy by raising a false flag.
The secret police had last month disclosed that it has stopped the plan of some powerful forces to impose an ING on the country. It also warned those nursing the plot to desist from it or get punished.
The report came as the country is planning a handover of power on May 29. Incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to handover power of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential candidate who the election on February 25 in two month.
The president has already assured Nigerians that he has no plan to stay beyond his term, and has set up a transition committee to oversee a smooth handover.
Buhari gave his words amidst the call, by some prominent Nigerians for an ING, even though those calling for it are in the minority.
Speaking on AIT programme Kakaaki on Monday, the professor said the DSS is trying to elongate the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari which has largely failed in all its promise to Nigerians.
According to him, the DSS is playing a game with Nigerians, and acting out a script by some unknown persons in the administration who want Buhari to say in office beyond May 29.
He said the plot is to ensure that the government did not hand over power at the stipulated date, describing the DSS action as a “political scavenging for legitimacy” by those who want to perpetuate the incumbent in power beyond the stipulated time.
The DSS had in a statement signed by its spokesman, Peter Afunanya, last week that it will use all arsenals at its disposal to stop the imposition of an ING.
The statement said in part: 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.
“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.”
