By Celestine Okafor (Editor-in-Chief)
The Department of State Services (DSS) has debunked claims by THISDAY Newspapers that many innocent Nigerians and citizens are being detained in many remand centers of the Service across the country on spurious circumstances.
In the contentious write-up published in the Thursday, August 5, 2021 edition of THISDAY captioned: 'Beyond Abba Kyari Indictment', the newspaper, in the opinion column by the Chairman of its Editorial Board, Segun Adeniyi, wrote that: "Hundreds of innocent citizens are currently languishing in Police and State Security Services (SSS) detention centers across the country, following arrests ordered by powerful men and women".
The DSS in a swift reaction addressed to Adeniyi the same Thursday by its Spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunnanya, described THISDAY report as totally "not true". He said in as much as the State Security organization does not speak for other security outfits like the Nigerian Police mentioned in the story, "no Nigerian or anyone for that matter is in the SSS/DSS custody on the order(s) of private citizens or persons. The SSS has an SOP on the criminal justice administration".
Dr. Afunnanya argues that "The media owes a duty, propelled by good conscience and the common good, to guide public narratives about some government agencies and their sacrifices to uphold security, peace, and unity of this nation, Nigeria" . The DSS, maintains, "should not be run down given the slightest opportunity. You (Segun Adeniyi) had been at the commanding heights of governance and national security administration and management to understand issues so as not to misinform the public.
"It is unacceptable for a respectable columnist of your experience and status to make a sweeping statement like the one herein. It is misleading, inciting, denigrating, demeaning, misinforming and should be withdrawn. The SSS and indeed security agencies, if not praised, should be supported.
"The Organisation may not be perfect but it is doing so much for the Country. It respects and loves the citizens and residents and strives to serve them based on best practices, rule of law/engagement and a balance between rights and national security.
"Thank you Sir as you correct this erroneous impression created about the Service. I remain your partner in progress and service to the fatherland", Dr. Peter Afunnanya stated. NNL.
