The Department of State Service (DSS) on Tuesday said it would carry out legitimate orders and support democratic institutions.
The spokesman of the Service, Nnochirionye Afunanya in a statement said, “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,” he added.
Daily Trust reported of controversy brewing in the DSS following alleged directive from the presidency asking the acting Director General (DG) Matthew Seiyefa to reverse recent changes he made at the agency.
However, the DSS statement in reaction also noted that, “Dark forces should not bring the Service into a collision with the Government it is meant to diligently serve.”
Afunanya said, “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.”
He added that, “Its personnel across the Commands and Formations have been enjoined to be calm, loyal and united in the discharge of their duties.”
He said the Service has remained one of the few institutions in the country that has exhibited unquestionable oneness and commonality of purpose in advancing the interest of the nation.
He also warned against speculation in the media on some internal affairs of the Service, adding that, “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,” he stated.
He said over the years, the Service has been known to be both a strategic stabilizer and a unifying factor in the Nigerian project.
He noted that, “It therefore deserves and desires to be focused and supported by all stakeholders to play the expected role in a democracy.”
He said, “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.”
“Held in utmost respect, the media is called upon to report issues of national security with caution to avoid a breach of peace,” he noted.
“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 DSS stated.
