By Omobolanle Shosanya
The Department of State Services (DSS),has said that it was not in any litigation with the chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission,INEC, Prof. Mammud Yakubu.
Its spokesperson, Department of State Services (DSS),Dr. Peter Afunanya,who said this in a statement,explained that the clarification was necessary in view of recent online report of a national newspaper which claimed that: “Court Stops DSS from Arresting INEC Chairman”.
The Service,he said,has discovered that the newspaper skewed what transpired at the 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 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.”
He warned the 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.
He assured 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.
