By KEMI KASUMU
The claim, by Mr. Segun Adeniyi, the former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Umar Musa Yar’Adua, that hundreds of innocent Nigerians were arrested on orders of private individuals and that they are now languishing in security agencies’ detention centres across the country, has been refuted.
Adeniyi in his weekly opinion column on Thursday 5 August, 2021 titled “Beyond Abba Kyari’s indictment”, had claimed that, “Hundreds of innocent citizens are currently languishing in Police and State Security Services (SSS) detention centres across the country, following arrests ordered by powerful men and women”.
In a response by Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the State Security Service (SSS), Dr. Peter Afunanya, the former presidential spokesman was proved wrong as he said there is no truth in the claim.
Afunanya said: “Dear Mr Olusegun Adeniyi, without efforts to join issues with you on an opinion expressed by you in your article of 5th August, 2021 on the above subject matter, the SSS takes exceptions to the part that states that “Hundreds of innocent citizens are currently languishing in Police and State Security Services (SSS) detention centres across the country, following arrests ordered by powerful men and women”. This is not true.
“I do not speak for the Police but it is certain that no Nigerian or anyone for that matter is in the SSS/DSS custody on the order(s) of private citizens or persons. The SSS has an SOP on the criminal justice administration.”
Continuing, the SSS Spokesman stated that what is best expected from the media, if not praise, should be support for the security agencies for the good work they are doing to keep Nigeria together.
“The media owes a duty, propelled by good conscience and common good, to guide public narratives about some government agencies and their sacrifices to uphold security, peace and unity of this nation, Nigeria. The SSS should not be run down given the slightest opportunity.”
To Segun Adeniyi, Afunanya reminded him what he may have forgotten and demanded the withdrawal of the statement.
“You had been at the commanding heights of governance and national security administration and management to understand issues so as not to misinform the public. It is unacceptable for a respectable columnist of your experience and status to make a sweeping statement like the one herein.
“It is misleading, inciting, denigrating, demeaning, misinforming and should be withdrawn.
“The SSS and indeed security agencies, if not praised, should be supported. The Organisation may not be perfect but it is doing so much for the Country. It respects and loves the citizens and residents and strives to serve them based on best practices, rule of law/engagement and a balance between rights and national security.
“Thank you Sir as you correct this erroneous impression created about the Service. I remain your partner in progress and service to fatherland.”
