DSS dissociates itself from former boss

The Department of State Services (DSS) has debunked allegations that its former Director General Lawal Daura is still in charge of its internal affairs, months after his dismissal.

“The Service debunks this false belief, it warns that any person or group that further engages him or his representatives/associates does so at their own peril,” the service spokesman Peter Afunanya said in statement on Tuesday.

“The Service will not tolerate acts of impersonation designed to undermine it and will decisively deal with person(s), no matter how highly placed, that may engage in such behaviour,” he added.

Nigeria’s Vice president Yemi Osinbajo sacked Daura in August 2018 following the service’s operatives blockade of the National Assembly.

Opposition lawmakers alleging the ruling All Progressives Congress of being behind the blockade, which saw the lawmakers locked out of their offices on August 7. The clerk of the National Assembly was also refused entry to the Assembly complex.

Daura, who was summoned to the presidential villa by the then acting president Odinbajo few minutes before his sack, was directed to hand over to the most senior officer of the DSS until further notice.

“Acting Yemi Osinbajo has directed the termination of the appointment of the DG of the DSS, Mr. Lawal Musa Daura,” said Laolu Akande, media aide to Osinbajo.

The DSS, however, warned the general public to desist from having an official transaction with the embattled Director general as he is no longer in charge of its affairs.