Report by Mudasir Opeyemi
The Department of State Services (DSS) says it has no case against Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had on Wednesday dismissed allegations of false asset declaration against Yakubu and also barred the DSS, the Police, and Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) from investigating him over his asset declaration.
The case with suit number FCT/HC/GAR/CV/47/2022 was filed by one Somadina Uzoamaka against the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Yakubu.
In the suit,the plaintiff was seeking,among other things, an order of mandatory injunction directing and compelling the INEC Chairman to step down pending the investigation and consideration of the allegations against him by law Enforcement Agencies.
Reacting in a statement on Friday,the DSS Spokesperson,Peter Afunaya said a recent publication with the headline “Court Stops DSS from Arresting INEC Chairman,”was misleading.
The DSS imagemaker clarified that the Service was never in court against the INEC Chairman.
He added that the Service has pointed out its disapproval to the Editorial authorities of the Newspaper that published the story and a promised agreement was reached to address the concerns raised, however, those concerns are yet to be resolved.
“The attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to a 5th January, 2023 online publication in which it reported that “Court Stops DSS from Arresting INEC Chairman,” the statement read
“The Service has discovered that the newspaper skewed what transpired in the Court and reported it out of context. It is against this backdrop that the Service pointed out its disapproval to the Editorial authorities of the Newspaper. The outfit, 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.
“This statement, however, becomes important to guide public understanding and perception, especially that the said report is misleading.
“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 these individuals and groups to desist from their devious plans. 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 Mr President and commander-in-chief, the service urged all and sundry to join in the pursuit of national stability and unity.