From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Department of State Services(DSS), has organized a 4-day Strategic Workshop for State Directors of Security and Heads of its Institutions in the country ahead of the 2023 general elections .
The workshop which held January 18-21, according to the Public Relations Officer
Peter Afunanya, was part of the Service’s preparedness for the general elections.
Afunaya, said the workshop which took place at the DSS headquarters in Abuja, 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.
He said During the exercise, the Chairman of Indpendent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu presented a keynote address on the preparation of the Commission towards the election and assured the Service of the Commission’s determination to deliver free, fair and credible election.
The DSS spokesman in a statement, stated the Director of Legal services Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, took time to educate 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.
He further stated that 0As part of related trainings and courses outlined for personnel for the period, a capacity building seminar in Public Relations was declared open by the DGSS today, 23rd January, 2023 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”.
