Category: Lead

• •Excuse serving judges from election tribunal, says Afe Babalola

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday flayed lawmakers for determining their pay contrary to the constitutional provision that wages of public officers should be fixed by the Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal and Allocation Commission (RMFAC).

Obasanjo described the action as not only immoral but unconstitutional.

He spoke at the 60th anniversary of legal luminary Afe Babalola’s call to Bar.

The event, which attracted a cream of Nigeria’s eminent people across professions and political divide, was held at the Afe Babalola University,  Ado Ekiti, owned by the celebrator.  

Among the dignitaries there were former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon, erstwhile Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku;  Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Olukayode Ariwoola; Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Oyewusi, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed and many a Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs).

Representatives of the University of London and Kings College, London were also at the occasion.

The event featured a book launch and a lecture titled: “The Future of Constitutional Democracy in Nigeria: Imperative of a New Constitutional Order.” 

 The lecture was delivered by the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese,  Martin Hassan Kukah.

Speakers extolled the Babalola’s virtue and his exploits as a lawyer, educationist and farmer.  

They also harped on poor democratic tenets, corruption and insecurity had negatively affected the nation’s development.

Obasanjo said it was saddening that lawmakers  who ought to uphold the 1999 Constitution were  ”the ones who undermine it.”

 According to the former President emoluments  of elected officials ought to be fixed  by   RMAFC and not lawmakers  

He said: “Under Paragraph 32(a-e) of Part I to the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the commission (RMAFC)  is saddled with determining the remuneration appropriate for political officeholders, including legislators.

“The point in Nigeria which I have seen and which I can attest to is most of the people who are supposed to be operationalising or managing and seeing the Constitution and democracy move forward, they are actually the ones who undermine the Constitution.

“All elected people, by our Constitution, their emolument is supposed to be fixed by the RMFAC, but our lawmakers set that aside and they make laws and put any emolument for themselves.

“Even if that is Constitutional, it is not moral and, of course, what they do is  neither Constitutional nor moral.”

He also complained that other aspects of the  Constitution such as federal character have been  ”absolutely ignored,” thereby making the Federal Character Commission unable to carry out its functions.

Obasanjo warned that when the Constitution is “continually breached,”   democracy becomes one in which anything goes.

Read Also: Forum urges Obasanjo, others to support Tinubu

Describing democracy as a “journey and not a destination,”  he argued that it(democracy)  would not be appreciated if the impacts were not felt by the people.

He explained that democracy could only be strengthened if the players respected and implemented the Constitution to the letter.

 ”Democracy doesn’t mean anything to any man who is hungry, whose life is in danger or whose property is being destroyed,” Obasanjo said.

 He congratulated nonagenarian Babalola,  describing him as a   titan at the bar, astute litigator and bar leader nationally and internationally.

The ex-President added that the celebrator is a rare breed who combines comeliness with brilliance while rising to the pinnacle of the law profession.    

He praised Babalola for being a source of inspiration to the younger generation.

*Nigerians saw worst phase of graft during Buhari’s tenure

Kukah said that Nigerians witnessed the worst phase of corruption under the administration of former  President Muhammadu Buhari.

Kukah noted that even though corruption did not start under the last administration, it was amplified in moral, financial and other terms.

He said: “We have seen the worst phase of corruption in Nigeria, Femi Falana, my friend here will speak about that because he has published a series of articles talking about what happened under the Buhari administration.

“They were not the ones who caused corruption but I think in the last administration, we saw the ugliest phase of corruption whether in moral terms, financial terms and other terms.”  

The cleric also lamented that Nigeria was sharing its sovereignty with terrorists.

Kukah a vocal critic of the Buhari government received knocks from that government officials, who defended the integrity of their administration stoutly, accusing the priest of being a dishonest analyst of their administration.

*Oyebanji: Babalola, a special gift to Ekiti

 Governor Oyebanji described Babalola as a legal colossus and courageous lawyer, who made indelible marks in the legal profession locally and internationally.

He added that Babalola stood out as one who walked his talk as a distinguished lawyer,  unbendable and uncompromising in anything he believes in.

While describing the legal luminary as a special gift to Ekiti  State, Nigeria and humanity, the governor added that the state was blessed to have produced the “rarest breed of humankind.”

Oyebanji also reminisced on Babalola’s prominent roles in the struggle and eventual creation of Ekiti State.

Also,     Oba   Ogunwusi hailed the legal icon for being a good example to others in his profession.

He noted that Babalola has earned for himself the truest virtues of honesty, integrity and resilience.  The monarch described him as a bridge builder, a resilient fighter for the masses and a selfless social crusader.

* Falana urges Tinubu to lead anti-graft crusade

Human rights lawyer  Falana warned that Nigeria had yet  put its  ugly past behind it, especially with its level of corruption

Falana called on President Bola Tinubu to personally lead the crusade against corruption so that the nation could be a proud member of the international community.

The SAN said: “They steal money meant for the control of erosion. The President must show leadership. I am urging Tinubu to lead an anti-corruption crusade so that Nigeria can take its rightful place in the comity  of nations.”

Falana also asked   Tinubu to refrain from sending the wrong signal by allowing high-profile politicians with graft cases to visit the Presidential Villa.

“Some of those who are going in and out of the Villa are standing trial for looting the treasury of this country. So, wrong signals must not be sent to our people and the international community,” the senior lawyer said.

“There is somebody here who was our president,” Falana said, “If you were accused of corruption and your case was before the EFCC(Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) or the ICPC(Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission), you would not be appointed to a position of authority. We must go back to that era.”

• President unveils economic, political plans as ECOWAS chair

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday in Bissau, the capital of Guinea Bissau, urged leaders of the West Africa sub-region to work for peace and defend democracy.

He reflected on the threat to peace in the sub-region, which has reached an alarming proportion with terrorism, and the military incursion into politics.

Tinubu was unanimously elected as chair of the 16-nation Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of States/Governments of the sub-region, the first he attended as Nigerian leader.

He unfolded his agenda for elaborate socio-economic plans for the sub-region and encouraged trade and investment among member-states.

He said Nigeria will organise a trade and investment summit in October to drum home the importance of private sector-led economic growth in the sub-region.

Opening the meeting, the immediate past ECOWAS Chairman and President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embalo, saluted his fellow leaders for sustaining the vision of the organisation despite the global economic headwinds and trouble spots within the region.

He cited Mali, Burkina Faso and the Republic of Guinea as countries where the constitutional order had been distorted, and praised Nigeria and Sierra Leone for sustaining constitutional order through the democratic process with successful elections.

The meeting was attended by leaders from the sub-region.

A statement by Tinubu’s spokesman, Mr Dele Alake, quoted the President as saying: “In furtherance of my vision for our region’s economic recovery and growth, Nigeria intends to convene an ECOWAS Extra-Ordinary Summit on Trade and Investment in October 2023.

“The event will provide an opportunity for member states to showcase their potentials and encourage match-making, in order to evolve business cooperation among the various organised private sector within the region.”

He called for the strengthening of the institutions of the body.

“In the area of strengthening our organisation’s institutions and ensuring effective performance, we underscore the need for the conclusion of the ongoing institutional reforms of the organisation.

“Given that community levy remained the biggest source of generating funds to run our organisation, we must ensure that our citizens being taxed must be positively impacted by the programmes and projects of ECOWAS. This is in line with the shift of the ECOWAS slogan from ‘ECOWAS of State’ to ‘ECOWAS of People,’” the Nigerian President emphasised.

The ECOWAS Chairman called for improved private sector participation in the effort towards the economic development of member states as well as their social integration.

“We would work collectively to pursue an inclusive economic integration, which will be significantly private-sector driven, in order to unlock the vast economic potentials of our region.

“We would actively promote trade, investment, and business cooperation among member states by addressing the barriers impeding intra-regional trade, as well as creating a conducive business environment.

“We must encourage economic partnerships to raise the level of trade and investments in our region, hence facilitating employment creation and sustainable development and prosperity for our citizens.

“To this end, we must look inward and work with our regional economic facilitation platforms such as the Federation of West of West Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FEWACCI) as well as ECOWAS Trade Organisation Network to attain our desired goals,” he said further.

The Nigerian leader, however, warned that the threat to peace in the sub-region had reached an alarming proportion with terrorism and the emerging pattern of military takeover that now demand urgent and concerted actions.

He said insecurity and creeping terrorism were stunting the progress and development of the region.

President Tinubu called for collective action from member-states, pledging that under his leadership, frameworks would be harmonised to actualise the dreams of ECOWAS.

“On peace and security, the threat has reached an alarming level and needs urgent actions in addressing the challenges.

“Indeed, without a peaceful environment, progress and development in the region will continue to remain elusive.

“In this regard, we must remain committed to the utilisation of all regional frameworks at our disposal to address the menace of insecurity,” he declared.

President Tinubu noted that ECOWAS had developed a security architecture, which he noted, “covers a wide range of areas that involved kinetic and non-kinetic operations, including preventive diplomacy”.

He added: “There is also the Regional Plan of Action on Fight against Terrorism 2020-2024 as well as the operationalization of the ECOWAS Standby Force on Fight Against Terrorism.

“I will ensure that we immediately harmonize these plans and mobilise resources as well as the political will towards the actualisation of the initiatives.

“As terrorists do not respect boundaries, we must work collectively to have an effective regional counterterrorism measure.”

On his emergence as Chairman on his first participation at the summit, having just started as the elected leader of Nigeria, President Tinubu stated that he was humbled and honoured by the trust to assume the leadership of the regional body, pledging his commitment to serve the interest of the community.

He said: “Indeed, I’m humbled and honoured by this trust, and want to assure you of my unalloyed commitment to provide the necessary leadership with dedication to serve the interest of the community.”

To underscore his commitment towards regional integration, the Nigerian President declared that he would prioritise political stability, peace and security, regional economic integration and strengthening of the ECOWAS institutions, declaring that democracy and good governance remain the abiding cornerstone of peace and sustainable development.

While decrying the emerging pattern of coup d’etat in West Africa where soldiers have toppled the popular mandate of the people through the barrel of guns, President Tinubu charged ECOWAS to stand firm in defence of democracy.

“We must stand firm on democracy. There is no governance, freedom and rule of law without Democracy. We will not accept coup after coup in West Africa again. Democracy is very difficult to manage but it is the best form of government.

“There is no one here among us who did not campaign to be a leader. We didn’t give our soldiers resources. We didn’t invest in them, in their boots, in their training to violate the freedom of the people.

“To turn their guns against civil authorities is a violation of the principles upon which they were hired which is to defend the sovereignty of their nations. We must not sit in ECOWAS as toothless bulldogs,” the President warned.           

On political stability, he said: “You will all agree with me that democracy and good governance are the cornerstones of peace and sustainable development of every society. I’m fully committed to deepening democracy and good governance in the region.

“We must strengthen our democratic institutions and ensure the respect for human rights and the rule of law. I will enhance engagements with the countries in transition to ensure their quick return to democratic rule,” he said.

He appreciated the Authority of Heads of State and citizens of the Community for trusting him to lead the West African body.

President Tinubu said: “Your Excellencies, let me conclude by once again deeply appreciating the Authority of Heads of State and the citizens of the Community for your trust in me. Together, we can shape a brighter future of shared values of peace, democracy, and economic prosperity in our region.”

• MTN congratulates President, restates commitment to Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerians that his economic reforms will foster development and guarantee a new lease of life for Nigerians.

Tinubu pointed out that navigating through the reforms required partnership by all, especially key economic players in the country.

He spoke when the Group President and Chief Executive Officer of MTN, Ralph Mupita,  board members and senior managers of the telecommunications giant visited him at the  Presidential Villa, Abuja at the weekend.

The ongoing reforms also received the support of the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Bishop Henry Ndukuba, who yesterday urged Nigerians to support the administration in rebuilding the economy.

 A statement by MTN quoted Tinubu as saying: ”You (MTN team) can do a lot for the economy by partnering with us. We believe no one can succeed alone.

“The structural adjustments we are making are to ensure we face the right direction and arrive at a destination that caters for our people. We have a responsibility to revolutionise the economy so that our youths can share in the prosperity of the nation. Otherwise, we are only waiting for the dreams to be charted.”

The team, according to the statement, congratulated Tinubu on his election victory and reiterated MTN’s commitment to Nigeria.

The team outlined the company’s strategy for expanding connectivity across the country, diversifying digital services available to Nigerians and supporting the rapid growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.

A part of the statement reads: “We appreciate the warm reception from President Tinubu and his team, and we thank them for their enthusiasm for the role that the telecoms and technology sector can play in driving the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy, and in ensuring broad participation in the new economic era.

“Our visit is an opportunity to reinforce our long-term commitment to Nigeria and our belief in the immense potential of this great country.

“The principle of shared value is a fundamental pillar of our ‘Ambition 2025’ strategy, which we are actively implementing in Nigeria. Whether through expanding local ownership via retail participation in our domestic listing, our renewed focus on local content, promoting access to connectivity and financial services in rural areas, or deploying innovative technology platforms, we are continuously innovating to ensure a more inclusive digital landscape.”

Also in Abuja, Bishop Ndukuba said the Anglican Communion was “trusting God that as Tinubu takes difficult decisions, we will be able to work with one another and this government for the good of our citizens and nation.”

“We thank God for what He is beginning to do in the new administration of President Bola Tinubu,” he said at the beginning of his pastoral visit to archdeaconries in Abuja.

 The cleric, however, said that the government should consider the sufferings of Nigerians, occasioned by the removal of petrol subsidy, and introduce programmes to cushion the effects.

His words:”We are pleading with the government to consider the sufferings and pains that the people are going through and make some efforts to alleviate the problems and challenges that are before the common man.

“We know the difficulties in transportation, feeding and others; we are praying that God will intervene in our nation, grant us open heaven and let there be rain to let our lives and our nation bear fruits.”  

Meanwhile, , the Director-General of the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, has said that  Nigeria was witnessing momentous changes under Tinubu’s leadership.  

Sulaiman spoke during the opening of a retreat for managers of NILDS in  Ilorin. Kwara State yesterday.

He said: “For these changes to be impactful and achieve the desired outcomes, the strategic partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government must be deepened,”  

Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega,    pointed out the need for good leadership in Nigeria.

He described the retreat as an opportunity for the institute to review its performance and identify the need for quality governance in the country.

Jega listed the ingredients of good leadership include honesty, cognitive experience on competence, good representation, inspire followership and motivation.

Come electricity Generating Companies (GenCos)  sell electricity to neighbouring countries at a  lower cost than the Distribution Companies (DisCos) in Nigeria, a document obtained at the weekend by The Nation has shown.

Although the document did not show the price differentials, it said the errant GenCos were carrying “unregulated sales or secret deals” to earn foreign exchange at all cost”  and in defiance of an existing  Federal Government directive.

 The GenCos are also said to be sidelining the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET), a government agency in charge of the novation of international agreements. There are 24 registered GenCos in the country.

The Federal Government has been losing revenue from the sales of electricity to the neighbouring, it was learnt.

According to the document, in Q2 and Q4 of 2022, about $16.92 million in invoices were exchanged between GenCos and international customers in Niger, Benin  Republics and Togo.

 The  Federal Government in 2019 streamlined the sale of electricity to foreign or neighbouring countries.

Investigation showed the breaches by the few GenCos include the violation of the transfer Order made pursuant to Section 10 of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) by the National Council on Privatisation (NCP). 

Worried by non-adherence to International Power Sale Agreement (IPSA), the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari waded in to guide the GenCos.

In a   memo dated  July 12, 2019, the Presidency directed   NBET  to oversee IPSA.

 An industry source, who spoke on the development, called on President Bola Tinubu to  take  ”a serious look at the breaches being committed by the  GenCos on international power sales“

The source, who declined to be named, said:  ”What has been happening is the sidelining of NBET. Electricity is now being sold to neighbouring countries in an unregulated way.

“Buhari had directed that all international sales and purchase agreements must be negotiated directly with  NBET  unless otherwise approved by him ( ex-President).

“The directive became necessary in order to align with the configuration of the Nigerian electricity industry after privatisation. But this is not the case.

“The sales of electricity to foreign countries  were  backed up by international cooperation agreements between   Nigeria on the one hand and the Republic of Benin and Togo   for CEB (Communaute Electrique Du Benin) and   Niger Republic for NIGELEC (Societe Nigerine D’electricite)

“As a matter of fact, wheeling of electricity to these countries was being channelled through the network of the Transmission Company of Nigeria(TCN) as there is no dedicated network between the private generating companies and the foreign countries.

“Prior to these directives and upon the commencement of the Transitional Electricity Market in February 2015, the TCN that received the proceeds of the sale of electricity to international customers began crediting the international customers’ receipts to the account of NBET for payment to GenCos while NBET in turn shares among all the GenCos in a transparent process and in accordance with the approved waterfall. 

“The former President’s directive reinforced the earlier directive from the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing to the TCN vide a letter referenced FMP/OPS/360/I dated September 7, 2016, but, despite these, Nigerians were made to purchase expensive energy by selling the cheapest ones to the foreign countries.”

Another source privy to the “secret deals”   said: “The quarterly reports released by the    Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission for 2022   reveal how a  few generating companies under the disguise of selling electricity to the international customers are milking Forex at the expense of other GenCos.

“The sales by the few GenCos are without any transparent procurement process known to any Nigerian Law.

“In 2022, Q 2 alone, the errant GenCos reaped in $7.98 million while $8.94 million invoice was exchanged between them for Q 4 of 2022.

“Part of the energy being sold to the international customers by Nigeria came from the Hydro Electric Generating Companies which is the cheapest cost of energy in Nigeria when compared with the thermal generating plants. The cost of energy from the latter is about six times the cost of the former.

“Prior to when the few GenCos cornered the forex from the international customers, inflows from such transactions were always shared among the entire GenCos in the portfolio of NBET to ameliorate the challenges   faced by them   in sourcing for foreign exchange.”  

• SEC, NGX to review transaction

Last week’s acquisition of the single largest individual equity stake in FBN Holdings Plc by Mr. Oba Otudeko’s Barbican Capital Limited is in a state of technical suspension until the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) determines its propriety.

Multiple sources yesterday said the apex bank would subject the material acquisition to scrutiny in line with the apex bank’s “fit and proper” rules. Nigeria’s apex capital market regulator, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and Nigerian Exchange (NGX) also traditionally review material transaction such as Barbican Capital’s acquisition.

FBN Holdings at the weekend confirmed that Barbican Capital, an affiliate of Otudeko’s Honeywell Group Limited, had acquired about 4.77 billion ordinary shares in the holding group, representing 13.3 per cent of the group’s 35.9 billion issued shares.

Rule 4.1 of the Guidelines for Licensing and Regulation of Financial Holding Companies in Nigeria stipulates that where shares amounting to five per cent of a holding company are acquired through the secondary market, such holding company shall apply for approval from the CBN within seven days of the acquisition.

Extant capital market rules also required formal disclosure and review of material shareholding of five per cent and above by the regulatory authorities.

Sources at the CBN said while the apex bank cannot obstruct investors from trading in banks’ shares in line with the “free entry, free exit” principle of the capital market, the prerogative is on the apex bank to ensure that only fit and proper persons have significant influences on banks’ management and control.

According to a source, the CBN will still need to screen and decide to either approve or reject the Barbican Capital’s acquisition in line with the apex bank’s vetting rules.

The source noted that in approving, CBN will look at several criteria, including source or sources of fund, the “fit and proper” review of the main beneficial owner to check whether his or her level of credibility is without question, and review of any previous or existing regulatory concerns.

Barbican Capital, incorporated in March 2023, has Otudeko’s children – Oyeleye Foluke and Otudeko Obafemi Adedamola — as main owners. CBN’s rules on “lifting of veil of beneficial owners” however allow the apex bank to trace the sources of funding for the acquisition in determining the beneficial owner of the deal. 

Another source said the apex bank has all the information it needs about Otudeko, as a former long-standing director of FBN Holdings. “It was on the basis of these information that the apex bank took previous actions regarding Otudeko’s involvement with the bank,” the source said, referring to the exit of Otudeko from the bank.

“All that needs to be established is whether he can now pass the ‘fit and proper persons’ of the apex bank,” the source added.

A leading investment banker said the regulatory review of material shareholding of five per cent and above is a routine procedure, which the buyer and the relevant parties are well acquainted with.

“It is a normal procedure for regulators to mandate investors that acquire up to five per cent and more of a listed company to file some essential documents for review. Upon review, they may ask for additional information or request that a director steps down from the board,” the source said.

The emergence of Otudeko as the single largest individual shareholder has again intensified the boardroom intrigues for the control of Nigeria’s oldest surviving banking group, after Lagos businessman, Mr. Femi Otedola, upstaged existing directors to become the single largest individual shareholder in 2021.

Market analysts said the direction of the governance structure at FBN Holdings going forward will be determined by the final approval of the apex bank and the ability of the major shareholders to couple together controlling majority stake to run the affairs of the bank.

With no outstanding majority shareholder, FBNH has been ran by a longstanding, time-tested traditional alliance of several shareholders with major shareholdings, who traditionally pool their holdings through proxies to sway major decisions, including board and management appointments.

Other major shareholders of the banking group include Otedola, with nine per cent; Hassan Odukale, with seven per cent; Dr Mike Adenuga Jr, with seven per cent and Saheed Arisekola, who holds five per cent equity stake.

President Bola Tinubu has emerged Chairman of Authority of the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

President Tinubu, who attended the forum of West African leaders for the first time at the 63rd Ordinary Session, was announced as Chairman on Sunday in Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau.

Tinubu took over the chairmanship of the regional organisation from the outgoing leader of the sub-regional political and economic body, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau.

Read Also: ECOWAS in solidarity with Nigeria, says Guinea-Bissau President

Speaking at the meeting, Tinubu emphasised the need to protect the democratic culture in the sub-region, saying “we will take democracy seriously. Democracy is very tough but it is the best form of government”.

As the Chairman, he will play a crucial role in leading the ECOWAS member states towards economic development, political stability, and cooperation.

As the newly appointed Chairman, Tinubu will collaborate closely with member states, regional institutions, and international partners to implement initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth, regional trade integration, and social development.

He is also expected to focus on strengthening the ECOWAS’ collective response to security threats and fostering closer cooperation among member states in addressing regional challenges.

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Sunday denied that Senator Abdulaziz Yari was arrested because he refused to pick President Bola Tinubu’s phone call.

Spokesman of the Service, Dr Peter Afunanya, in a statement described it as laughable.

He however confirmed Yari was invited by the Service but did not disclose why.

The DSS spokesman said Yari knows why he was invited.

He also denied accusations that the Service of snooping on Judges on the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT).

Afunanya also denied reports that Service stormed the Independent Corrupt Pratices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and carted away certain files from them.

He debunked reports that there is a rumble in the DSS due to nepotism.

Afunanya in an unusually long statement on Sunday, said: “The attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to false reports by sections of the online media particularly SaharaReporters, Peoples Gazette and Jackson Ude.

“The so called news platforms variously and wrongly fed the public with misleading narratives and accusations against the Service.

“For instance, SaharaReporters wrote that the Service stormed the Independent Corrupt Pratices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and carted away certain files from them.

“Jackson Ude falsely claimed that there is a rumble in the DSS due to nepotism. He further accused the Service of snooping on Judges on the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

“On its part, Peoples Gazette reported that Senator Abdulaziz Yari was arrested for alleged refusal to pick the President’s phone call (whatever that meant).

“There are other variants of unsubstantiated and anonymous petitions flying around against the DGSS, his family and some officials.

“The Service ordinarily would not have responded to these inaccuracies but for the fickle minded and vulnerable persons as well as the unsuspecting public that may take the lies for facts.

“To set the records straight, the DSS did not execute operations of any kind at the ICPC and CCB or remove files from their offices.

Read Also: Why DSS arrested Senator Yari

“Instructively, the two agencies have, on their own, refuted the news in widely circulated press statements. It is petty, if not laughable, to report that Yari was invited for refusing to pick the President’s call. This is the height of junk journalism. Yari knows why he was invited.

“In fact, the Service denies all the allegations as they lack any factual basis or credibility. They are only figments of the creators’ imaginations.This is more so that the publishers in question have been noted in and outside the country for their notoriety for peddling fake news, sensational and gutter journalism.

“Without a modicum of proper and civilised behaviour, they indulge in character assassinations and sundry blackmail as business.

“It is not in doubt that their reports under reference are hatchet jobs designed to smear or impeach the integrity of the Service and its leadership.

“Notably, the Service proactively alerted the public about this development earlier in June, 2023. While it is aware of the sponsors of these campaigns of calumny, it will simply allow them to exhaust themselves knowing too well that they would someday be brought to justice.

“Many days, it is said, are sure for the thief but there will be that one day for the owner of the house. It is clear that the writers and their sponsors are oblivious of the accolades the Service has continued to receive from majority of stakeholders for excellent performance and its professional demeanour in handling many critical issues of national importance.

“Rather, they have chosen to use their platforms to subvert the Agency and undermine its capabilities.

“Restating its respect for the rule of law, independence and autonomy of other agencies including the Judiciary and Legislature, it will not shirk its responsibilities or allow some detractors to prevent it from undertaking its statutory duties or carrying out lawful orders by constituted authorities.

“If Yari or anyone else is to be invited or taken into custody, the Service will not hesitate to do so as far as that is procedurally done within the confines of the law.

“The Service will remain focused, resilient, patriotic and professional in the conduct of its affairs. Members of the public are enjoined to disregard the misleading stories which are aimed at causing disaffection in the country and disparaging the Service’ leadership.

“The Service will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to address security challenges in the country in line with its mandate and the directives of the President. It does not matter how many times naysayers and hostile agents will plan to distract it.”