The Department of State Services (DSS) has uncovered a plot by some politicians and dissenting individuals within and outside the government to sponsor negative campaigns against the Director General of the DSS, Yusuf Magaji Bichi, and his key officials.
This was stated in a press release issued by the DSS Spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunanya.
According to the press release, the campaigns are in response to the DSS’s steadfast stance on governance and policy matters. Dr. Afunanya stated that “The Service has uncovered plans by some politicians and disgruntled elements within and outside the government to sponsor smear campaigns against the DGSS, Yusuf Magaji Bichi and his key officials over the service’s uncompromising stance on some critical governance and policy issues”.
Those behind the plot are also accused of recruiting various Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organizations to organize rallies, road-shows, and press conferences in order to discredit Bichi. Dr Afunanya added that “These recruited CSOs and NGOs are being used to organize rallies, road-shows and press conferences to discredit the DG, and sections of the media have been briefed to implement the strategy through sponsored articles, commentaries and features to malign the DG, his family and select officials of the Service.”
The DSS however assured that it is aware of these developments and is willing to allow the plotters to proceed with their plans, but will not idly stand by while a group of individuals attempt to undermine the DSS and its leadership.
The Spokesman urged the public to be vigilant and ignore the efforts of these “dark forces” to defame the character of the Director General.
He said: “The DSS, therefore, wishes to inform the public to be wary of these tendencies and ignore the antics of dark forces out to impugn the character of the DG.”
The DSS reaffirmed its support for the President in addressing threats to national security and creating the necessary conditions for a fair and just 2023 general election. Dr Afunanya stated “The DSS reaffirms its support for the President in addressing threats to national security and creating the necessary conditions for a fair and just 2023 general election.”