The Amalgamated Civil Society Organizations of Nigeria (ACN) has raised alarm over what it described as a dangerous campaign of division, blackmail, and anarchy being spearheaded by Omoyele Sowore and other paid agents of destabilization plotting to cause a breakdown of law and order in Nigeria.

In a strongly worded statement jointly signed by Comrade Gbenga Ashiru Abiodun, National Coordinator of the Amalgamated Civil Society Organizations of Nigeria (ACN), and Comrade Yakubu Abdullahi, General Secretary of the group, the organization condemned in totality the ongoing attempts to incite crisis under the guise of protest and advocacy.

The statement reads:

“The ongoing campaign of division, blackmail, distraction, disharmony, and anarchy against the Nigerian government, especially the one being spearheaded by the so-called Omoleye Sowore, as well as by some paid characters and agents of destabilization trying to cause a breakdown of law and order in our country, is a cause for concern in our nascent democracy.

This campaign of calumny, distraction, politics of hate, bitterness, and outrageous intent to precipitate crisis in our dear country must be resisted by democracy-loving Nigerians and forces.

In memory of the late Comrade Abiodun Aremu of blessed memory, we have resolved not to participate in the planned protest being organized by a known blackmailer and insurrectionist, Sowore, using the name of Nnamdi Kanu as a cheap political cover to unleash mayhem and anarchist tendencies against state institutions, including the National Assembly, National Ecumenical Centre, National Mosque, security formations like Kuje prison, and the courts of the land.”

The group further alleged that available intelligence revealed plots by Sowore and his associates to burn down major markets, train stations, airports, and other critical infrastructure in Abuja in a bid to precipitate violence and an ethno-religious crisis.

“We have resolved to urgently alert relevant security and intelligence agencies to nip Sowore’s plot in the bud to curtail the planned insurrection and mayhem that may result from it. Enough is enough of this blackmailer’s shenanigans!” the statement continued.

The group accused Sowore of lacking moral justification to lead any protest while facing prosecution, adding that his activities pose a serious threat to national peace and democratic stability.

“In any civilized world, Sowore would have lost all moral justification to stage a violent protest while undergoing prosecution before relevant courts of competent jurisdiction for a series of incitement and questionable cybercrime-related cases in Nigeria.

How can someone who is a known blackmailer in the country with no character or moral rectitude be threatening government institutions, state apparatus, and other law-abiding citizens going about their lawful businesses in a country guided by the rule of law?”

They described him as “a serial rapist, a blackmailer, and a rogue politician” who, despite his rejection at the polls in 2023, continues to sponsor mischief and recklessness.

“Sowore is also part of the system that has brought Nigeria to its knees, as he was instrumental in fighting on the side of politicians against the hardworking people all these years,” the statement added.

The organization accused him of receiving funding from foreign powers and opposition elements, describing him as a “non-state actor used by anti-democratic forces to destabilize the country.”

“We hereby wish to make it abundantly clear to the relevant security agencies and intelligence, especially the NSA, DSS, Nigeria Police, and DIA, to quickly intervene in this matter to prevent the breakdown of law and order,” it stated.

The group vowed to institute a legal framework to restrain Sowore and his allies from further lawless behavior, while also mobilizing “thousands of democracy-loving Nigerians to confront him anywhere he is seen in Abuja.”

“We hereby declare Sowore a persona non grata anywhere he is sighted in Abuja. We have assembled a team of citizen volunteers across ethnic and religious divides to enforce this resolution… Nigeria’s unity and peace are more important than the aspiration of one individual! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!”