Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Department of State Services (DSS) has reacted to a newspaper publication that there was intention to arrest the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu.
The newspaper had in it’s online edition on the 5th January, 2023 come out with the headline “Court Stops DSS from Arresting INEC Chairman”.
Reacting to the report, the DSS said that the newspaper report on what happened in the Court was skewed and reported it out of context.
DSS in a press release signed by Dr. Peter Afunanya, Public Relations Officer, Department of State Services
National Headquarters, Abuja on Friday said
that the Service pointed out its disapproval to the Editorial authorities of the Newspaper.
He said: “The outfit, which though argued that what was reported in its online version was different from the hard copy, promised to address the concerns raised but did not.
“This statement, however, becomes important to guide public understanding and perception, especially that the said report is misleading. It falsely left an impression that the Service went to Court against the INEC Chairman.
“Nonetheless, the Service is aware of the antics of some mischievous elements who are desirous of fomenting crisis in the country, including creating unnecessary controversies around the forthcoming general elections. One of their strategies is to subvert the efforts of the Service in ensuring peaceful coexistence and harmony. Another is a determination to overheat the polity and subtly exploit the judiciary to distract or even undermine not only the Service but other security and law enforcement agencies from undertaking their constitutional roles.
“The DSS, therefore, warns these individuals and groups to desist from their devious plans. It also advises all critical stakeholders to be vigilant and resist attempts to use them to thwart the law. While assuring Nigerians and the International Community of the Service’s commitment to the maintenance of law and order, including an accomplishment of a free and fair 2023 election as already pledged by Mr President and Commander-in-Chief, the Service urges all and sundry to join in the pursuit of national stability and unity.”
