We’re Not In Court Against INEC Chairman, Prof. Yakubu – DSS Says

…Says, its aware of the antics of some mischievous elements 

The Department of State Services (DSS), on Friday said that the impression created that it went to Court against the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu is false.

This was as the nation’s secret police said that it was aware of the antics of some mischievous elements who are desirous of fomenting crisis in the country, including creating unnecessary controversies around the forthcoming general elections.

The Service which stated these while reacting a publication by Daily Trust on January 5, 2023, said the newspaper skewed what transpired in Court and reported it out of context.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya said that the Service pointed out its disapproval to the editorial authorities of the Newspaper, adding that the newspaper which though argued that what was reported in its online version was different from the hard copy, promised to address the concerns raised but did not.

The DSS explained that its statement becomes important to guide public understanding and perception, especially that the said report was misleading.

The Service said; “It falsely left an impression that the Service went to Court against the INEC Chairman.

“Nonetheless, the Service is aware of the antics of some mischievous elements who are desirous of fomenting crisis in the country, including creating unnecessary controversies around the forthcoming general elections.

“One of their strategies is to subvert the efforts of the Service in ensuring peaceful coexistence and harmony. “Another is a determination to overheat the polity and subtly exploit the judiciary to distract or even undermine not only the Service but other security and law enforcement agencies from undertaking their constitutional roles.

The DSS, therefore, warned the individuals and groups to desist from their devious plans just as it also advised all critical stakeholders to be vigilant and resist attempts to use them to thwart the law.

While assuring Nigerians and the International Community of the Service’s commitment to the maintenance of law and order, including an accomplishment of a free and fair 2023 election as already pledged by President Muhammadu Buhari, the Service urged all and sundry to join in the pursuit of national stability and unity.