The Director General of the Department of State Services, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi has reiterated absolute need for professionalism and neutrality of personnel in the discharge of the Service’s mandate before, during and after the 2023 general elections.
Speaking at the DSS Headquarters during a four-day Strategic workshop organized between 18th and 21st January 2023 for State Directors of Security and Heads of Institutions as part of the Service’s preparedness for the general elections, Alhaji Bichi emphasized that the Service would remain uncompromising in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities with all sense of professionalism and neutrality.
Delivering a keynote address at the workshop on the preparations towards the election, the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu assured the Service of the Commission’s determination to deliver free, fair and credible election.
Also, the Commission, through its Director of Legal, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, educated participants on the Electoral Act 2022 and its implications for security agencies. The DSS however reviewed the security situation in the country and assured INEC of its support which is in line with the President’ Muhammadu Buhari’s pronouncement to the world to bequeath a free and fair election to Nigerians.
Participants present at the workshop however pledged to work in collaboration with sister agencies, INEC and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that peaceful elections are conducted across the country.
”As part of related trainings and courses outlined for personnel for the period, a capacity building seminar in Public Relations was declared open by the DGSS today, 23rd January 2023 for mid-level officers drawn from the State Commands. Resource persons from the media, public relations practice and the academia are participating in the seminar.
In a related development, the DSS on 16th January 2023, commenced a two-week Joint Service training programme at the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), Abuja. Participants are drawn from the country’s Armed Forces, Police and other law enforcement and response agencies. The Course was initiated by the Service to strengthen interagency relations in view of their separate and combined roles in the forthcoming elections. The Joint Service Course is designed to promote interagency collaboration and efficiency during the elections.” said a statement signed by the DSS Public Relations Officer, Dr. Peter Afunanya.