DSS finally reacts to reports on Daura, Seiyefa, ‘face-off’ with presidency

The Department of State Services (DSS) has spoken on media reports about its internal affairs.

The Nigerian media has been at the top of events surrounding the sack of former Director-General, Lawal Daura after the siege on the National Assembly.

The fourth estate has also been reporting power game after Daura’s removal, pressure on President Muhammadu Buahri to recall him as well as other developments since acting DG, Matthew Seiyefa took over.

On Tuesday, information went out that Seiyefa has recalled officers he transferred out of the headquarters of the agency when he resumed office on August 1.

This followed the directive by the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, who queried the DSS boss for carrying out reorganisation in the agency without clearance from the Presidential Villa.

DAILY POST had reported that the presidency ordered Seiyefa to reverse the redeployment.

Reacting, Afunanya Peter, DSS spokesman, in a statement on Tuesday, appealed to the media to assist the agency as it remained a committed Service with focus on the stability and security of the nation.

“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.”