The Department of State Service (DSS) has challenged a popular civil society organization, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), to implement what it preaches to society.

DSS aggrieved staff, who are pressing legal charges against SERAP, used an adage that “it is easier to criticize than to do the right thing” to validate what happened at the FCT High Court, Maitama.

He said, “One of the leading Civil Society Organisations, popularly called SERAP, seems to be uncomfortable complying with the rule of substantial justice, which it has been calling others to abide by.

“Instead, it has now resorted to technicalities. At the resumed hearing of the case instituted against it by DSS aggrieved staff, SERAP denied being SERAP.

“Meanwhile, in the offensive posts SERAP put out, which injured the reputation of the complainants, it said ‘DSS Raids SERAP Office’ and ‘DSS Invades SERAP Office,’ but now it is insisting that it must be referred to as ‘Registered Incorporated Trustees of SERAP,’ denying its own name which it uses. Basically, it is assessed that it is doing so to evade justice.

“It is ironic that SERAP, an advocate for accountability, does not want to account for its actions. However, in accordance with the rules, parties were directed to file all preliminary arguments for consideration on 10th February 2025.”

Recall that SERAP had in September alleged that the DSS invaded its Abuja office, following the organisation’s letter calling on President Bola Tinubu to probe allegations of corruption in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and to reverse the increase in the pump price of petrol.

The DSS then issued a statement claiming that the visit to SERAP’s office was “a routine investigation,” and two of its officials subsequently filed a defamation lawsuit against SERAP, claiming over N5 billion in damages.