DSS expresses readiness for 2023 elections, warns against smear campaigns

The Department of State Services (DSS) has said some “dark forces” have embarked on smear campaigns against its Director-General, Yusuf Magaji Bichi, and his key officials, saying it would not be distracted.

The agency which made this known on Tuesday said the politicians were within and outside the government.

This was contained in statement by the DSS Spokesman, Dr Peter Afunanya, noting that sections of the media had also been briefed to implement the strategy through sponsored articles, commentaries and features to malign the DG, his family and select officials of the service.

DSS accused those behind the evil plot of recruiting unnamed civil society and non-governmental organisations to not only sustain but stage further rallies, road-shows and press conferences and use the occasions to discredit Bichi.

The statement read, “Also, sections of the media have been briefed to implement the strategy through sponsored articles, commentaries and features to malign the DG, his family and select officials of the service.

“The service is monitoring developments and will allow the plotters to either exhaust themselves or rescind the plan of action. Otherwise, no amount of intimidation, harassment and blackmail will deter it from discharging its duties.

“However, it would not idly watch a group of dissatisfied gang to undermine the service and its highly dedicated leadership and management. The DSS, therefore, wishes to inform the public to be wary of these tendencies and ignore the antics of dark forces out to impugn the character of the DG.”

”It restates its unalloyed support to the President on his resolve to continue to confront head-on, threats to national security as well as create the enabling environment necessary for the 2023 general elections to hold,” the statement added. 

It had been reported that Aisha Bichi, the wife of Yusuf Bichi, the DG ordered the arrest of Abba Yusuf, the New Nigeria Peoples Party governorship candidate in Kano.

Yusuf was also barred from boarding a Max Air flight from Kano to Abuja on Sunday night.

It was gathered that the problem began at the VIP lounge gate of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano, when the politician’s convoy allegedly caused traffic congestion, briefly preventing Mrs Bichi’s convoy from entering the controlled area.

Sources said the situation angered Mrs Bichi as her security guards started beating up people and hitting vehicles for “disrespecting” her.