2023 elections: DSS boss tasks personnel on professionalism

The Department of State Security (DSS) has tasked its personnel to be professional and neutral in the discharge of their duties before, during and after the general elections.

A statement by Dr Peter Afunanya, the Public Relations Officer of the DSS, said the Director-General of the Service, Alhaji Yusuf Bichi, made the call on Monday in Abuja.

He said Bichi spoke at the opening of a capacity building seminar on Public Relations organised by the service for mid-level officers drawn from State Commands.

Afunanya said the seminar was part of related training and courses outlined for personnel of the service ahead of the general elections.

He said resource persons for the seminar were drawn from the media, public relations practice, and academia.

The DSS spokesman said participants at the seminar pledged to work in collaboration with sister agencies, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all relevant stakeholders to ensure peaceful elections across the country.

Afunanya said the service had between January 18 and 21, held a four-day strategic workshop for state directors of security and heads of institutions.

He stated that the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, assured the service of the commission’s determination to deliver free, fair and credible elections.

“Also, the commission, through its Director Legal, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, educated participants on the Electoral Act 2022 and its implications for security agencies.

“The Service reviewed the security situation in the country and assured INEC of its support in line with the president’s pronouncement to the world to bequeath a free and fair election,” he said.(NAN)