The Department of State Services has told activist Omoyele Sowore he has one week to delete a social media post and apologize for calling President Bola Tinubu a “criminal.”
In a letter dated September 7, DSS Director of Legal Services Uwem Davies said Sowore crossed the line with his August 26 tweet where he slammed the president and accused him of lying about ending corruption in Nigeria.
The DSS didn’t hold back in their response, calling Sowore’s words “false, malicious, and inciting.” They’re worried his comments could stir up trouble and even lead to unrest.
“Your choice of words about the President are false and malicious, and could cause public disturbance, disunity, and breakdown of law and order,” the letter stated.
“These statements could cause insurrection, as they are offensive and disrespectful towards someone in the highest office in the country.”
The agency wants Sowore to do three things within a week:
– Delete the post with the same visibility he used to share it
– Publish a public apology in at least two national newspapers and two TV stations
– Send a formal response to the DSS
Interestingly, they also sent a copy of the letter to the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, pointing out that Sowore lives in both countries.
The DSS reminded him that anyone who wants to lead Nigeria should show “integrity, restraint, and responsibility” in what they say and do.
The security agency made it clear they won’t stand for what they call “false propaganda” and warned that if Sowore doesn’t comply, they’ll take “measures it deems most appropriate within the law.”
