June 12: Sowore Warns Protesters Against Secret DSS, Police Meetings
Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has issued a strong warning to Nigerians preparing to participate in the June 12 protest, urging them to avoid clandestine meetings with security agencies or government officials.
In a post shared on Wednesday evening via his verified social media accounts, Sowore cautioned demonstrators not to fall for last-minute invitations by the Department of State Services (DSS), the police, or government representatives ahead of the protest.
According to him, such meetings are often used as tactics to intimidate, dissuade, or compromise civil resistance.
He advised protesters to instead propose that any concerned security or government figure should meet them at the protest venue itself.
“Do not attend ‘emergency meetings’ called by DSS, police, or government functionaries if you’re planning or participating in the #June12Protest. Tell them to meet you at the protest venue,” he wrote.
Sowore’s remarks come amid growing mobilisation efforts by various civic groups and individuals to commemorate Democracy Day on June 12 with nationwide protests against worsening economic hardship, insecurity, and perceived government repression.
June 12, recognised as Nigeria’s Democracy Day, marks the annulled 1993 presidential election believed to have been won by the late Moshood Abiola.
In recent years, it has become a rallying point for pro-democracy demonstrations across the country.
The activist, who has faced multiple arrests and legal battles over his activism, is one of the leading voices pushing for civil resistance under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
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