Abuja – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the House of Representatives have accused Nigeria’s secret police, Department of State Service (DSS) of engaging in a series of politically-motivated arrests and raids targeted at government officials linked to the former administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.
Specifically, the Hon. Leo Ogor-led caucus yesterday queried the arrest of former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd); former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Gordon Obua and the reported invitation of the Rivers and Akwa Ibom Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) by the DSS.
“We believe that the DSS should wake up to their responsibilities, concentrate purely on their internal security and leave politics aside. If they are interested in coming to play politics then they have to resign and come in and contest for political offices.” Ogor told newsmen at a briefing in the National Assembly on behalf of the PDP caucus.
On the reported invitation of the Rivers and Akwa Ibom RECs by the DSS, Ogor said the DSS should concern itself with its internal security mandate as election matters was the business of tribunals and the courts.
This came as the Rivers state National Assembly caucus petitioned the DSS Director General, Lawal Daura in a July 16 letter, insisting that the invitation of the Rivers REC was illegal and in breach of its mandate.
Ogor: “We are convinced beyond reasonable doubt that the DSS Act stipulates that clearly the responsibility and functions of that agency, borders purely on internal security and private security for government functionaries.
“We don’t know how they (DSS) found themselves in electoral business because first we need to understand the act, the electoral act stipulates very clearly that all issues must be handled by the tribunal. We find ourselves in a scenario or situation where we see some level of intimidation and dictatorship creeping in.
“A scenario where a government institution has been saddled with the responsibility of internal security of the nation is finding itself in electoral matters is an issue of concern to us, everybody and every Nigerian.”
Ogor said the matter will be reported at plenary when the House resumes from its recess on July 28.
The PDP House caucus also protested the exclusion of National Assembly members in President Muhammadu Buhari’s delegation to the United States of America.
“We are also aware that our President have taken a trip to the United States and he will be visiting the parliament. Unfortunately, we can hardly see any parliamentarian in his entourage which is a little bit disappointing for us as a parliament. Definitely there are parliamentary issues that will be discussed.
Meanwhile, the PDP House caucus said the new July 28 resumption date in non negotiable. It advised the factionalised All Progressive Congress (APC) House caucus to settle it differences to allow legislative business of the 8th House to takeoff effectively..
“The APC as a party should please urgently put their house in order so that they can come to the floor and carry on with their legislative business.” Ogor said.
