The Director General Department of State Service, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi has called for professionalism and neutrality of personnel before, during, and after the general elections to guarantee a peaceful nation.
He stated this at a four-day Strategic Workshop for its State Directors of Security and Heads of Institutions at the Services National Headquarters, Abuja.
In a statement signed by the Department of State Services Public Relations Officer Peter Afunanya Ph.D., 23rd January 2023 said “The workshop was part of the Service’s preparedness for the general elections.
During the exercise, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu presented a keynote address on the preparation of the Commission for the election. He assured the Service of the Commission’s determination to deliver a free, fair, and credible election. Also, the Commission, through its Director of Legal, 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.
“As part of related training 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 academia are participating in the seminar.
“In a related development, the DSS on 16th January 2023, commenced a two-week Joint Service training program 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 given their separate and combined roles in the forthcoming elections. The Joint Service Course is designed to promote interagency collaboration and efficiency during the elections.” However, all participants pledged to work in collaboration with sister agencies, INEC, and relevant stakeholders to ensure the smooth conduct of elections across the country.
