A coalition of civil society organisations has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to arrest activist Omoyele Sowore over what it described as an alleged threat to Nigeria’s national security.

The demand was made on Wednesday during a rally in Abuja organised by the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Good Governance in Nigeria.

Addressing supporters, the National Chairman of Nigeria Citizens Watch for Good Governance, Collins Eshiofeh, commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its Renewed Hope Agenda and praised the approval of a new national minimum wage, saying the government should be allowed to implement the policy without distractions.

The coalition also passed a vote of confidence in President Tinubu and the Director-General of the DSS, Ajayi Oluwatosin, whom it credited with strengthening the country’s fight against terrorism, banditry and other security threats.

But the group urged the DSS to arrest Sowore, alleging that his activities posed a threat to national security.

Eshiofeh claimed, without providing evidence, that the activist was linked to external interests seeking to destabilise Nigeria.

He said! “Even the most vigilant government must be reminded of a festering wound that requires urgent surgical attention. While the DSS has neutralised many threats to our national security, under the superb leadership of Present Tinubu, there remains one man who continues to insult the intelligence of this nation.

“That man is Mr. Omoyele Sowore. He parades himself as an activist, but we know the truth, he is a merchant of chaos, a purveyor of anarchy, and a threat to our collective peace. Reports have allegedly link him to external machineries whose only agenda is to set our country ablaze and reduce Nigeria to a failed state. He calls for revolution, not because he loves Nigeria, but because he is being sponsored to destabilise the very fabric of our governance.

“The only thing this administration has not done is to arrest and prosecute Mr. Omoyele Sowore. We are here today to demand that this be done without further delay. We say no to criminality in the name of activism. We say unite against terror. We say no to subversive elements. We say no to permissive terrorism.

“The time for selective justice is over. The sovereignty of Nigeria is not negotiable, no individual, no matter how connected, should be allowed to hold the nation to ransom under the guise of opposition.

He urged President Tinubu and the DSS to continue their efforts to safeguard the country’s security while ensuring that all actions are taken in accordance with the law.

The coalition also called on security agencies and relevant institutions to continue carrying out their constitutional responsibilities professionally, impartially and in line with the rule of law.

According to the group, Nigerians deserve a country where justice is administered fairly, public safety is guaranteed and citizens’ rights are protected.

It added that it remained committed to promoting good governance, accountability and constructive civic engagement.