January 06, (THEWILL) – The Department of State Services (DSS) has refuted a “misleading report”, that it is in court to stop the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, from doing his work over alleged non-declaration of assets.
Recall that Justice Maryam Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Garki, on Wednesday, quashed the allegations of false assets declaration filed against Prof Yakubu by Somadina Uzoamaka.
The Court also barred Security Agencies from investigating him over his valid assets declaration.
Reacting to a January 5, 2023, online publication titled, “Court Stops DSS from Arresting INEC Chairman”, the Service described the report as misleading and far from reality, and intentionally skewed to create the wrong impression about its operation.
In a statement issued on Friday, by its Spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, the DSS said it has no issue to settle with the INEC Chairman in court and blamed the misconception on a newspaper (not THEWIL), which reported a court order out of context.
The statement read: “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 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, warns these individuals and groups to desist from their devious plans. It also advises 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 urges all and sundry to join in the pursuit of national stability and unity.”
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