The Department of State Services (DSS), has responded to the news of the court order blocking security agencies from attempting to arrest Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
It was previously reported that a federal high court in Abuja had dismissed accusations against Yakubu of making a fake asset declaration and had also forbidden the DSS, the police, and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) from investigating the matter.
In response to the news, the DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya, stated on Friday, January 6th, that the DSS never filed a lawsuit against the INEC chairman and has no case against him.
He said: “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.”
