The Department of State Services, DSS, has distanced itself from reports that its operatives stormed anti-corruption agencies to cart away from files allegedly indicting to President Bola Tinubu by some online media organisations.
The organisation asserted that the said news were written to wrongly feed the public with misleading narratives and accusations.
The DSS, in a statement on Sunday by its Spokesperson, Dr Peter Afunanya, noted the Service’s “attention has been drawn to false reports by sections of the online media particularly SaharaReporters, Peoples Gazette and Jackson Ude. “
For instance, the DSS said SaharaReporters, wrote that the Service stormed the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and carted away certain files from them.
“Jackson Ude falsely claimed that there is a rumble in the DSS due to nepotism. He further accused the Service of snooping on Judges on the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.
“On its part, Peoples Gazette reported that Senator Abdulaziz Yari was arrested for alleged refusal to pick the President’s phone call (whatever that meant). There are other variants of unsubstantiated and anonymous petitions flying around against the DGSS, his family and some officials,” Dr Afunanya said.
He said the DSS ordinarily would not have responded to these inaccuracies but for the fickle minded and vulnerable persons as well as the unsuspecting public that may take the lies for facts.
“To set the records straight, the DSS did not execute operations of any kind at the ICPC and CCB or remove files from their offices. Instructively, the two agencies have, on their own, refuted the news in widely circulated press statements.
“It is petty, if not laughable, to report that Yari was invited for refusing to pick the President’s call. This is the height of junk journalism. Yari knows why he was invited.
“In fact, the Service denies all the allegations as they lack any factual basis or credibility. They are only figments of the creators’ imaginations. This is more so that the publishers in question have been noted in and outside the country for their notoriety for peddling fake news, sensational and gutter journalism. Without a modicum of proper and civilised behaviour, they indulge in character assassinations and sundry blackmail as business.
“It is not in doubt that their reports under reference are hatchet jobs designed to smear or impeach the integrity of the Service and its leadership.
“Notably, the Service proactively alerted the public about this development earlier in June, 2023. While it is aware of the sponsors of these campaigns of calumny, it will simply allow them to exhaust themselves knowing too well that they would someday be brought to justice.
“Many days, it is said, are sure for the thief but there will be that one day for the owner of the house. It is clear that the writers and their sponsors are oblivious of the accolades the Service has continued to receive from majority of stakeholders for excellent performance and its professional demeanour in handling many critical issues of national importance. Rather, they have chosen to use their platforms to subvert the Agency and undermine its capabilities,” the secret police said.
The DSS in restating its respect for the rule of law, independence and autonomy of other agencies including the Judiciary and Legislature, stated that it will not shirk its responsibilities or allow some detractors to prevent it from undertaking its statutory duties or carrying out lawful orders by constituted authorities.
“If Yari or anyone else is to be invited or taken into custody, the Service will not hesitate to do so as far as that is procedurally done within the confines of the law,” the statement added.
Afunanya further asserted that the Service will remain focused, resilient, patriotic and professional in the conduct of its affairs.
He enjoined members of the public to disregard the ‘misleading’ stories which he noted are aimed at causing disaffection in the country and disparaging the Service’ leadership.
He said the DSS will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to address security challenges in the country in line with its mandate and the directives of the President.
“It does not matter how many times naysayers and hostile agents will plan to distract it,” the secret police spokesman said.
Recall, that the ICPC on Saturday also debunked the report that DSS operatives carted aways some files allegedly indicting President Bola Tinubu from its office.
ICPC’s Spokesperson, Mrs. Azuka Ogugua in a signed statement unequivocally refuted the claim as unfounded and urged the public to disregarded it.
“The Commission hereby refute the report by Saharareporters and state unequivocally that there were no files implicating President Tinubu or close aides at its headquarters or offices across the states and therefore the alleged carting away of such imaginary files is unfounded and should be disregarded by the public.
“While the Commission does not dispute the role of the media to inform the public, it is however deeply disturbed by irresponsible practice and non-adherence to the tenets of the journalism profession by some media outlets.
“For the umpteenth time, the Commission wishes to urge media organisations not to allow the use of their medium to propagate lies and unfounded reports by subversive agents. The Commission’s channels of communications remain open for clarification and confirmation,” Mrs Ogugua had said on Saturday.