The State Secret Service, SSS, has said that it had not broken any law in handling the case of the embattled former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefiele when the latter was arraigned at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos State on the 25th of July 2023.
A statement by the Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunanya, Ph.D. on Wednesday stated that the incident does not reflect the professional disposition of the revered department and would not encourage such attitude.
It maintained that it has tremendous respect for the Judiciary as an Arm and Institution of Government and will not go out of its way to undermine it but has initiated a detailed investigation into what transpired between the operatives of the SSS and the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCS at the court premises on Tuesday.
The full statement reads, ‘The public will recall that Mr. Godwin Emefiele suspended CBN Governor, was arraigned at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on 25th July 2023. The Service has noted the incident that took place between its staff and those of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and wishes to state as follows:
i. The incident was unfortunate and does not in any way reflect the professional disposition of the DSS;
ii. The Service did not and would never encourage the incident under reference;
iii. 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 recognizes 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;
iv. While noting that the personnel from both Agencies exhibited undue overzealousness, the Service has further initiated detailed investigations into the matter. This is to identifyundertakelayed by specific persons as well as undertake disciplinary actions if necessary and draw some lessons going forward.
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 have a high sense of discipline.
The Service will ensure that it will not be used for clout and fame chasing or delusional heroism. It will, however, remain focused on its national security mandate and, therefore, enjoin well-meaning Nigerians to support it in achieving the desired security goals for the nation. It is imperative to note that we have no other country but Nigeria. We should join hands, with love and tolerance, to build it.”
Recall that the SSS and the NCS fought at the premises of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi on Tuesday over the agency that will take custody of CBN governor Mr. Emefiele after he was granted a bail of N20 million.
