Emefiele: No one can undermine our investigations – DSS

The Department of State Services (DSS) has stated that it will not succumb to propaganda, intimidation and the desperation of hirelings to undermine its operations.

The Secret Police urged citizens against being used to thwart or undermine its lawful investigations, warning that those who wish to act in breach will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

Though the DSS did not address the statement to any particular group, but The Star learnt that it has to do with statement credited to the national coordinator of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Tochukwu Ohazuike.

The CUPP had on Monday alleged that the Director General of DSS, Yusuf Magaji, is perfecting plans to arrest the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, over terrorism charges.

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The Public Relations Officer of DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya, in a statement made available to The Star on Monday December 19, 2022 noted that one of its roles is the investigation of matters of national security dimension.

Afunanya said: “It has always discharged this responsibility in the overall interest of Nigerian citizens. As such, the Service will continue to disseminate actionable intelligence to the relevant authorities devoid of any sentiment.

“While professionally discharging its mandate, the DSS pledges to remain focused and unbiased. It will not, by any means, succumb to propaganda, intimidation and the desperation of hirelings to undermine it. It will also not give room to the use of falsehood and deceit to misdirect public understanding and perceptions of issues of national importance.”

The Service said it will not be distracted from carrying out its duties.

According to DSS, “Given not to joining issues, the Service warns those on a wild goose chase to be mindful of their actions. Similarly, it urges members of the public to disregard the vituperations and rantings of misguided elements and not allow themselves to be used as instruments of destabilisation.

“Notably, these elements should remember the ​famous axiom that “you will only deceive some people, some of the time, but not all people, all the time”. To put it succinctly, the Service will not be distracted by persons and/or groups from carrying out its duties to the Nation, citizens, President and Commander-in-Chief.

“Citizens are, therefore, urged to avoid being used to thwart or undermine the Service and its lawful investigations as those who wish to act in breach will be dealt with in accordance with the law.”

The Star