Thu Sep 12 07:21:32 UTC 2024: ## DSS Raid on SERAP Sparks Outrage, Echoes of Abacha Regime: SDP Candidate

**Abuja, Nigeria** – Prince Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has condemned the recent invasion of the Social Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) office by the Department of State Services (DSS). He likened the actions to tactics employed by the military regime of former President Sani Abacha, raising concerns about a return to authoritarianism.

The DSS, which previously detained and later released Nigerian Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero, justified its presence at SERAP offices in Abuja and Lagos as a “routine investigation.” However, the operation has been widely condemned by civil society groups as intimidation and harassment.

Adebayo, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), called for a clear explanation for the DSS action and warned that “what would Abacha do” cannot be the new doctrine. He stressed his commitment to upholding the rule of law and criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu for its apparent embrace of undemocratic tactics.

The DSS, in its statement, refuted allegations of unlawful conduct and asserted its commitment to professionalism. It urged the public to disregard “false narratives” and participate in national security management.

This incident has ignited concerns about the shrinking space for dissent and criticism under the Tinubu administration. Critics argue that the DSS action is a worrying sign of the government’s increasing intolerance towards civil society and independent voices.

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