DSS berates groups peddling propaganda amid rumoured plot to arrest Emefiele
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DSS -- Department of Security Service
The Department of State Services, DSS, has vowed not to succumb to the propaganda, intimidation and desperation by any person or group, as it continues to disseminate actionable intelligence, devoid of sentiment, to relevant authorities.
The Nigerian secret police made this known in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Peter Afunanya.
It was gathered that the DSS was reacting to a group of Civil Society bodies in Abuja, which accused the intelligence agency of plotting to arrest Mr. Godwin Emefiele, Governor of the Central Bank.
A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) had raised alarm, alleging that plots are afoot to frame Emefiele by the DSS.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday in Abuja, the group operating under the auspices of Coalition of National Interest Defenders, comprising Human rights lawyers, Chairmen of political parties, Civil Society groups, Arewa Youth Consultative Movement and ethnic leaders said the allegation was weighty and too sensitive to be swept under the carpet.
Convener of the Coalition, Tochukwu Ohazuruike said the security agency filed a motion in court accusing the CBN Governor of terrorism financing and other crimes it described as economic crimes of national security dimension.
The coalition asked if the apex bank boss who served over seven years in office could get involved, demanding that the Director General of the DSS be sacked immediately.
But in its statement, the DSS through Afunanya, urged members of the public to disregard the vituperations and rantings of misguided elements and not allow themselves to be used as instruments of destabilisation.
The intelligence service warns those on a wild goose chase to be mindful of their actions, while pledging to remain focused and unbiased, while professionally discharging its mandate.
The DSS vowed not to, by any means, succumb to propaganda, intimidation and the desperation of hirelings to undermine it, saying it will not give room to the use of falsehood and deceit to misdirect public understanding and perceptions of issues of national importance.
Part of the statement reads: “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 the breach will be dealt with in accordance with the law”.
