The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a statement denying that it is involved in a legal dispute with the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, over allegations of non-declaration of assets.
The statement, released by DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya, was in response to a report in a newspaper that incorrectly claimed that a court order had been issued preventing security agencies from arresting or investigating Mr. Yakubu.
“The attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to a January 5, 2023 online publication in which it was reported that ‘Court Stops DSS from Arresting INEC Chairman’,” the statement reads.
“The Service has discovered that the newspaper skewed what transpired in court and reported it out of context. It is against this backdrop that the service pointed out its disapproval to the editorial authorities of the newspaper. The outlet, which claimed 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 becomes important to guide public understanding and perception, especially since the said report is misleading. It falsely left the 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 the 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.”
