The Department of State Services, DSS, has reacted to the stand off between their operatives and officers of Nigeria Correctional Service.
9NEWS NIGERIA had reported that on Tuesday 25th July, operatives of the DSS instead on taking the suspended governor of Nigeria’s central bank, Godwin Emefiele into custody after he was granted bail by the Court.
Our correspondent gathered that trouble started when the officers of Nigeria Correctional Service that were in the court wanted to take Emefiele into custody pending when his bail condition is perfected. The DSS operatives said they have a warrant from a lower Magistrate court to take the ousted CBN boss into custody.
In a press release on Wednesday, Peter Afunanya, Ph.D Public Relations Officer, DSS said: “the incident was unfortunate and does not in any way reflect the professional disposition of the DSS and the Service did not and would never encourage the incident under reference;
Afunanya reiterated that the Service has great respect for the judiciary, noting that they’ve commenced investigation into the matter.
“The Service has tremendous respect for the Judiciary as an Arm and Institution of Government and will not go out of its way to undermine it. The DSS recognises the Judiciary as a critical component in nation building, national development and security management. Also, the Service has robust working relationship with sister security and law enforcement agencies including the NCoS;
“While noting that the personnel from both Agencies exhibited undue overzealousness, the Service has further initiated detailed investigations into the matter. This is with a view to identifying the role played by specific persons as well as undertaking disciplinary actions if necessary and drawing some lessons going forward.”
He also insisted that that “the DSS has not broken any laws in handling the Emefiele Case despite efforts by some elements to skew the narratives to the contrary. The Service had since alerted the public of sinister plots to discredit its leadership. In pursuit of its assignments, it will strive to remain professional, maintain ethical standards and high sense of discipline. The Service will ensure that it will not be used for clout and fame chasing or delusional heroism. It will, however, remain focused on its national security mandate and, therefore, enjoin well-meaning Nigerians to support it in achieving the desired security goals for the nation. It is imperative to note that we have no other country but Nigeria. We should join hands, with love and tolerance, to build it.”
