In recent developments at the Enugu State Governorship and State House of Assembly Petitions Tribunal, a Deputy Director of the Department of State Service (DSS), Yahaya Isa Mohammed, testified stating the validity of Peter Mbah’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate. Peter Mbah was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the March 18 gubernatorial election. This testimony has prompted the Alliance of Enugu State Professionals (AESP) to take action.
In response, the AESP has appealed to President Bola Tinubu and National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu to swiftly address the leadership of the DSS. The aim is to revamp and reorganize the secret police, with the ultimate goal being the restoration of confidence in the nation’s security apparatus.
Expressing their astonishment, the professionals highlighted the fact that despite the controversies surrounding the DSS leadership during President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime, it has remained unchanged. In a statement released in Enugu today, AESP President Simon-Peter Nwobodo and Publicity Secretary Barrister Matthew Eze signed off on this call for immediate action.
According to AESP it is crucial to restore trust in the nation’s security infrastructure. The validity of Peter Mbah’s certificate is just one instance that has highlighted the need for a leadership overhaul within the DSS. The professionals believe that addressing these issues promptly will help instill confidence and ensure better governance in the long run.
The AESP strongly emphasizes that if President Buhari swiftly replaced the leadership of various security forces such as the police, army, air force, navy, and defense staff, there is no justifiable reason for the delay in doing the same with the DSS. This assertion underlines the urgency for a leadership change within the intelligence agency.
In response to the testimony provided by a senior DSS official at the Enugu State Election Petitions Tribunal, the AESP regards it as a clear demonstration of the agency’s deteriorating reputation and importance in the eyes of many Nigerians. The recent statement issued by the DSS concerning Maxwell Okpara, the lawyer to the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria governor Godwin Emefiele, has further contributed to the agency’s loss of dignity and relevance.
The AESP has expressed its concerns regarding the recent statements made by NYSC officials regarding Peter Mbah’s discharge certificate with number A808297. The Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General Yasha’u Ahmed, along with NYSC’s Director and Assistant Director of Certification, have all stated that the certificate was not issued by the NYSC. The AESP finds this alarming and questions the professionalism of the DSS.
The AESP further emphasizes that until now, it was unimaginable for Nigerians to witness such a lack of professionalism within the secret police. The AESP’s statement highlights the growing disbelief among the Nigerian public regarding the actions and conduct of the DSS in light of these recent developments.
The Enugu professionals have highlighted the historical credibility of the Nigerian Security Organisation (NSO), which later evolved into the present-day Department of State Service (DSS). They recall the 1983 general elections, wherein the NSO played a vital role by testifying against the ruling party, alleging electoral manipulation in favor of their candidate in the old Anambra State. This testimony showcased the reliability and trustworthiness of the NSO at that time.
In addition, the Enugu professionals draw attention to a more recent incident during the Fourth Republic. They recall when the police authorities controversially withdrew their security from Governor Chris Ngige of Anambra State. In this situation, the DSS displayed professionalism by providing full security to the embattled governor, who was facing a fierce political battle even from President Olusegun Obasanjo and his allies in Aso Rock.
These instances highlighted by the Enugu professionals exemplify the past integrity and professionalism of the DSS, serving as a stark contrast to the current concerns regarding the agency’s actions and conduct.
In light of these concerns, the AESP has urged the National Security Adviser (NSA) to advise President Tinubu to appoint a new Director General for the DSS. The AESP believes that this fresh appointment would facilitate the much-needed reorganization and professionalization of the agency, prioritizing the best interests of the nation.
The AESP further emphasizes that such an appointment would demonstrate President Tinubu’s independence and autonomy, showcasing him as his own person rather than being indebted to the current DSS Director General for any perceived favours extended during the election period. The AESP sees this move as crucial for maintaining transparency and instilling trust in the leadership of the DSS. GMTNew
