The Department of State Services (DSS) has assured the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its determination to provide a conducive atmosphere for the February/March general election.
Director General, State Services, DGSS, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi made the pledge in Abuja at the opening of a 4-day strategic workshop organized by the Service for its State Directors and Heads of Institutions.
Service Spokesman, Dr Peter Afunanya in a statement issued Monday in Abuja said the workshop which held between 18th and 21st January, 2023, was part of the Service’s preparedness for the general elections.
According to him, the INEC Chairman , Prof Mahmood Yakubu had in his keynote address on the preparation of the Commission towards the election, assured the Service of the Commission’s determination to deliver free, fair and credible election.
Also, the Commission, through its Director of Legal Services, 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 which is in line with the President’s pronouncement to the world to bequeath a free and fair election”, said Afunanya.
He said as part of related trainings and courses outlined for personnel for the period, a capacity building seminar in Public Relations was also declared open by the DGSS on Monday for mid-level officers drawn from the State Commands.
“Resource persons from the media, public relations practice and the academia are participating in the seminar.
“The DGSS, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi CFR fwc used the occasions to reiterate the need for professionalism and neutrality of personnel in the discharge of the Service’s mandate before, during and after the general elections.
“Of note was that at the end of the strategic workshop, participants pledged to work in collaboration with sister agencies, INEC and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that peaceful elections are conducted across the country.
“In a related development, the DSS on 16th January, 2023, commenced a two week Joint Service training programme at the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), Abuja.
“Participants are drawn from the country’s Armed Forces, Police and other law enforcement and response agencies. The Course was initiated by the Service to strengthen interagency relations in view of their separate and combined roles in the forthcoming elections. The Joint Service Course is designed to promote interagency collaboration and efficiency during the elections”, the statement added.
