By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Department of State Services (DSS) has broken its silence over the ugly incident at the Federal High Court on Tuesday, saying it did not break any law in handling the case of suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.
DSS officials had engaged officials of the Nigerian Correctional Centre (NCS) in a skirmish over the custody of Emefiele.
The Federal High Court, Lagos, had in granting Emefiele N20 million bail ordered that he be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, till he perfected his bail conditions.
But the DSS engaged in a shameful fight with the prison officials and later whisked Emefiele away contrary to the court’s ruling.
Many Nigerians has criticized the DSS for its unbecoming action.
The Services, in a statement on Wednesday, said the Service had noted the incident that took place between its staff and those of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and wished to state as the incident was unfortunate and did not in any way reflect the professional disposition of the DSS.
The DSS, in a statement issued by its Spokesman, Peter Afunanya, said the Service did not and would never encourage the incident under reference.
“The Service has tremendous respect for the Judiciary as an Arm and Institution of Government and will not go out of its way to undermine it.
“The DSS recognises the Judiciary as a critical component in nation building, national development and security management. Also, the Service has robust working relationship with sister Security and Law Enforcement agencies including the NCoS;
“While noting that the personnel from both Agencies exhibited undue overzealousness, the Service has further initiated detailed investigations into the matter.
“This is with a view to identifying the role played by specific persons as well as undertaking disciplinary actions if necessary and drawing some lessons going forward,” the statement said.
It added that “For emphasis, the DSS has not broken any laws in handling the Emefiele Case despite efforts by some elements to skew the narratives to the contrary. The Service had since alerted the public of sinister plots to discredit its leadership.
“In pursuit of its assignments, it will strive to remain professional, maintain ethical standards and high sense of discipline. The Service will ensure that it will not be used for clout and fame chasing or delusional heroism.
“It will, however, remain focused on its national security mandate and, therefore, enjoin well-meaning Nigerians to support it in achieving the desired security goals for the nation. It is imperative to note that we have no other country but Nigeria. We should join hands, with love and tolerance, to build it.”
