WE DID NOT BRING THE INEC CHAIR TO COURT —DSS

The Department of State Services has refuted assumptions that the service is in court with the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, over alleged non-declaration of assets.

The DSS confirmed this in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Peter Afunanya.

The commission expressed concern about a newspaper misreporting a court order that barred security agencies from arresting or investigating the INEC chairman.

“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,” according to the statement.

“The Service discovered that the newspaper distorted what happened in court and reported it out of context. Against this backdrop, the service expressed its displeasure to the editorial authorities of the Newspaper. The organization, which claimed that what was reported in its online version differed from what was printed, 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 gave the false impression that the service had taken the INEC Chairman to court.

“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 undermine the service’s efforts to ensure peaceful coexistence and harmony. Another is a determination to overheat the polity and subtly use the judiciary to distract or even undermine not only the service but also other security and law enforcement agencies from carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.

“The DSS, therefore, warns these individuals and groups to desist from their devious plans. It also warns all key stakeholders to be vigilant and to resist attempts to use them to circumvent the law.

“While assuring Nigerians and the international community of the service’s commitment to the maintenance of law and order, including the achievement of a free and fair 2023 election as already pledged by Mr President and Commander-in-Chief,” Afunanya said.