Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Department of State Services, DSS, has said it would investigate the scuffle between its personnel and those of the Nigeria Correctional Service, NCoS, over which of the agencies that would take custody of the embattled Governor of the Central Bank, CBN, Godwin Emefiele, after his arraignment before a Lagos High Court on Wednesday.
A statement issued by the secret police and signed by its Spokesman, Peter Afunanya, said that it would not hesitate to discipline its personnel if found culpable after the investigation.
The statement blamed the unnecessary scuffle on overzealousness of the personnel of both agencies involved.
It noted that lessons had been drawn from the incident, but added that the secret police did not break any law by rearresting Emefiele.
The statement obtained by Ikengaonline read, “The public will recall that Mr. Godwin Emefiele, suspended CBN Governor, was arraigned at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on July 25, 2023. The service has noted the incident that took place between its staff and those of the Nigerian Correctional Service and wishes to state as follows:
“The incident was unfortunate and does not in any way reflect the professional disposition of the DSS; the service did not and would never encourage the incident under reference; the service has tremendous respect for the Judiciary as an Arm and Institution of Government and will not go out of its way to undermine it.
“The DSS recognises the judiciary as a critical component in nation-building, national development, and security management. Also, the service has robust working relationships with sister security and law enforcement agencies including the NCoS.
“While noting that the personnel from both agencies exhibited undue overzealousness, the service has further initiated detailed investigations into the matter.”
“The investigation, he said, will help to identify the roles played by specific persons as well as “undertaking disciplinary actions if necessary and drawing some lessons going forward.”
It urged members of the public to disregard any attempt to blackmail the agency.
“For emphasis, the DSS has not broken any laws in handling the Emefiele case despite efforts by some elements to skew the narratives to the contrary. The service had since alerted the public of sinister plots to discredit its leadership.
“In pursuit of its assignments, it will strive to remain professional, maintain ethical standards and a high sense of discipline. The Service will ensure that it will not be used for clout and fame chasing or delusional heroism,” Afunanya said in the statement.
