The Department of State Services
(DSS) has explained why it complied with the directive to reverse postings of
some officials transferred out of the headquarters of the service in Abuja.
There were reports that the
presidency mounted pressure on Mathew Seiyefa, acting director-general of the
DSS, to recall the redeployed officers.
He had transferred some officers
out of the headquarters when he resumed on August 1 following the sack of Lawal
Daura, his predecessor.
In a statement on Tuesday, Peter
Afunanya, spokesman of the service, said the service is “undoubtedly” focused
on the stability and security of the country.
Afunanya said “dark forces” would
not bring the service in collision with the government.
“The attention of the DSS has
been drawn to several speculations making the rounds in the media on some
internal affairs of the service. These speculations, to say the least, are
unhealthy for the service and indeed, Nigeria. The DSS has undoubtedly remained
a committed Service with focus on the stability and security of the nation,”
the statement read.
“Over the years, the Service has
been known to be both a strategic stabilizer and a unifying factor in the
Nigerian project. It therefore deserves and desires to be focused and supported
by all stakeholders to play the expected role in a democracy. Only a
professionally driven DSS can support and consolidate Nigeria’s democracy.
“Though intelligence services
world over operate covertly, it is also held accountable in a democratic
practice. To accomplish this, they design strategic alliances with partners and
stakeholders. The media is one of such partners. Held in utmost respect, the
media is called upon to report issues of national security with caution to
avoid a breach of peace. No deliberate effort should be made by self serving
interests to bring the Service to ridicule. No country or its media can afford
to undermine their own security forces because of the dire consequences that
portends.
“The service as an institution of
government will continue to carry out legitimate orders; support democratic
institutions; respect the rule of law and protect the citizens in line with
global practices and standard operations procedures (SOPs) in Intelligence
gathering and law enforcement.
“Dark forces should not bring the
service into a collision with the government it is meant to diligently serve.
“The service is undaunted and
will pursue noble goals only meant to uphold integrity in security and
intelligence governance. This is a global trend for accountability.
“Its personnel across the
commands and formations have been enjoined to be calm, loyal and united in the
discharge of their duties as the service has remained of the few Institutions
in the country that has exhibited unquestionable oneness and commonality of
purpose in advancing the interest of the nation.”
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com