The Department of State Service (DSS), on Monday, berated the National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Iyorchia Ayu, over his recent comment that the secret police is fond of harassing innocent Nigerians and members of the opposition political parties.
Reports had quoted Ayu to have said at an event on 23rd February 2022 in Owerri, Imo State capital, that his party, PDP, would not use security agents, especially the DSS, to harass the people when they take over Aso Rock in 2023.
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But reacting to the comment in a statement signed by its spokesman, Peter Afunanya, the DSS described the comment as “unjustified, unfair, speculative and preposterous”, saying the service has always restrained itself from joining issues, particularly with politicians.
“The attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to an unwarranted statement made by the National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Iyorchia Ayu, against security agencies including the Service.
“Though the Service restrains itself from joining issues, particularly with politicians, it wishes to state its disapproval of such statement which is considered unjustified, unfair, speculative and preposterous,” the statement partly read.
Afunanya wondered why Ayu could say the secret police harass the people when he knows the service doesn’t, having served in various capacities such as Senate President; Minister of Education, Industry, Internal Affairs and Environment, with full complements of security details.
The DSS spokesman added, “Except to malign and incite the people against it, the service questions the rationale behind such an unprovoked description of it by Chief Ayu who had variously benefitted from it and indeed the State.
“Having served variously as Senate President, Minister of Education, Industry, Internal Affairs and Environment, with full complements of Security details, he knows the Service is never used to harass the people.
“And if he ever used the details for negative purposes (unknown to the Service), he should know that the times have changed.
“Dr Ayu knows that the Service is a frontline guardian of democracy and respects the rule of law in Nigeria.
“It is committed to the protection of the people. For the avoidance of doubt, it does not shield its personnel who offend its rules and in fact, laws of the land, from disciplinary action, thus the untruthfulness of his statement.
“The DSS has undoubtedly made profound sacrifices for the existence and unity of the country and will continue to, despite deliberate attacks on it.”
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