The Department of State Services has reacted to a misleading publication by the TrackaNG–BudgIT, over claims that the Service’s Counter-Terrorism Centre, Bauchi is not under construction in spite of its budget provisions
Dr Peter Afunanya, the service public relations officer in a statement on 22nd Debunked the online publication on 19th February 2022, by the Tracka on its social media platforms, particularly on Facebook and Twitter claiming that the construction of DSS Counter-Terrorism Training Centre, Gubi Dam, Bauchi State allegedly valued at N1.1 Billion in 2021 FG budget was “not done”. It added that it “visited the site and discovered they only renovated a primary school and mosque adjacent to the site”. The statement also stated that “Tracka made other unsubstantiated and wild claims as part of its findings.
To set the records straight, the DSS outrightly dismisses Tracka’s unfounded claims.” While expressing dismay at the shoddy way “Tracka embarked on its project verification exercise as well as the manner it drew conclusions without the slightest efforts to be diligent.”
Dr Peter further states “DSS findings have shown that the Tracka Field Officer did not visit the project site where about 17 structures were simultaneously being executed by different contractors. It is instructive to note that the projects are at different levels of completion. It may also be noted that the primary school in question was a dilapidated Nomadic Education Centre located at Galga, near Gubi Dam, Firo where the CTC is located. The Service, in conjunction with its Land School (site of the CTC), found the primary school in a bad state and decided to renovate it as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, typical of the Service wherever it has such public facility and cohabits with the community.”
Consequently the service, therefore “sought refutal and unreserved apology from Tracka in that regard.”
