The Department of State Services,DSS has said it will continue to carry out legitimate order even as it cautions the ,media and “dark forces” against setting the service on collision course with government.
New Spokesperson of the the DSS Peter N. Afunanya said disclosed this in statement Tuesday in which he cautioned the media against reports about the service. He said DSS “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.”
Afunanya’s statement reads thus in full: “The attention of the DSS has been drawn to several speculations making the rounds in the media on some internal affairs of the Service. These speculations, to say the least, are unhealthy for the Service and indeed, Nigeria.
“The DSS has undoubtedly 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.”
Independent sources told Newsdiaryonline that the agency has been under stress as it tries to cope with challenges following the sacking of Lawal Daura as DG.
