*Security agencies are on top of their assignments, says Lai Mohammed
*As DSS claims politicians were plotting to smear its DG, Bichi
By Eze Chudozie
The Federal Government has reacted to a viral comment credited to an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), debunking claims that the 2023 general elections faces a serious threat of cancellation due to insecurity.
Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information and Culture, made the clarification during the PMB Administration Scorecard Series (2015-2023) organised by his officr.
The Scorecard Series was launched in October laat year to massively showcase the achievements of the Buhari administration.
The minister stated: “The position of the Federal Government remains that the 2023 elections will be held as planned. Nothing has happened to change that position.
“We are aware that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is working with security agencies to ensure that the elections are successfully held across the country.
“The security agencies have also continued to assure Nigerians that they are working tirelessly to ensure that the elections are held in a peaceful atmosphere. Therefore, there is no cause for alarm.”
The Minister of Health who appeared before the press on Tuesday to brief them on the strides in the country’s health sector.
*DSS claims it uncovered plans by politicians to smear Bichi, DGSS
The Department of State Security (DSS) have asked Nigerians to “be wary of people it claimed were hatching plans to smear its Director-General, Mallam Yusuf Bichi.
According to Dr. Peter Afunanya, the Public Relations Officer of DSS on Tuesday, “there are schemes by some politicians to smear its DG, Bichi, and some of the service’s key officials”.
Afunanya, said the politicians, as well as ‘disgruntled elements’ within and outside the government, are waging war against “the service’s uncompromising stance on some critical governance and policy issues”.
Specifically, he accused the politicians of using civil society and non-governmental organisations to discredit Bichi.
He asked Nigerians to “be wary of these tendencies and ignore the antics of dark forces out to impugn the character of the DG.”
“Those behind the plot have engaged Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organisations to not only sustain but stage further rallies, road shows and press conferences and use the occasions to discredit Bichi,” the statement read.
“Also, sections of the media have been briefed to implement the strategy through sponsored articles, commentaries and features to malign the DG, his family and select officials of the Service.”
“The service is monitoring developments and will allow the plotters to either exhaust themselves or rescind the plan of action. Otherwise, no intimidation, harassment or blackmail will deter it from discharging its duties.
“However, it would not idly watch a group of dissatisfied gangs undermine the service and its highly dedicated leadership and management.
“The DSS, therefore, wishes to inform the public to be wary of these tendencies and ignore the antics of dark forces out to impugn the character of the DG.”
According to Afunanya, the service would continue to confront threats to national security and is working to create a conducive atmosphere for the general election.
