A group called Civil Society Organisations, Competent Governance for Accountability and Civic Trust (CGACT), on Tuesday, blasted a social media critic, Jackson Ude, over his claims and accusations against the Director General of the Department of State Security (DSS), Yusuf Magaji Bichi.
The CGACT, in a statement signed by its national coordinator, Amb. Omoba Michael, and the executive director of Programmes, Comr. Godwin Oghenero Erheriene, said Ude was just out to do the dirty job of his paymasters in the media, with the aim of tarnishing the image of Bichi despite his effort as the DG of DSS in fighting insecurity and safeguarding the lives of Nigerians.
The statement read in part, “The recent online lashing of the DG of DSS, Yusuf Magaji Bichi, by Jackson Ude, is a misinterpretation of intent.
“The allegation of misconduct on DG of DSS by Jackson Ude is obviously the outcome of office grapevine. Piling up allegations on the basis of hearsay is tantamount to assassination of character.
“Accusing a family of syphoning, posting based on nepotism, appointment and promotion of agents base on the DG’s discretion and lobbying to remain the DG of agency, ought to be proven with proof in the court of law.
“These are weighty accusations that need concrete proof. And if there are none, the reverse is likely to be the outcome.”
Meanwhile, according to the group, given his national service, “Magaji Bichi is not to be rewarded with unverified claims.
“Had it not been Bichi and his DSS, Boko Haram and ISWAP would have taken Abuja prior to this administration. His contributions in the continuity of democracy is a reflection of competence, allegiance and service to his nation.
“Contrarily to Jackson Ude’s opinion of Bichi lobbying to remain the DG of Agency, Bichi’s antecedent was his ticket to continuity.
“This administration has zero tolerance to under- performance. It will be of interest to Nigerians that the DSS is saddled with the responsibilities of collating intelligence geared towards national security.”
The statement added that, “Furthermore, it is clear that Jackson is not really abreast with the systematic steps in intelligence gathering.
“The agency is the frontline amongst other agencies in intelligence gathering. And that its primary objective.
“Also, the monies set aside for acquisition of intelligence is oftentimes misconstrued by even staff of the agency talk more of an outsider.
“Finally, we think Jackson is old enough to know the consequences of peddling unfounded information. And such act can have psychological effects on the morale of not just the staff, masses and also on the image of this administration. Once trust is broken, allegiance is in doubt.”
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