By Edwin Eriye
The Department of State Services (DSS) has debunked claims that its operatives did not open fire on alleged protesters who had stormed its facility on Tuesday 12.
This was confirmed in an exclusive report sent to Blackbox Nigeria and signed by the DSS Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunanya, Ph. D.
The State Services explained that as a normal global security practice, their operatives stood in defense of their facility when some group of persons made unruly attempts to forcefully break into the place and effect the release of Omoloye Sowore.
“Despite serial and unwarranted provocations, the Services, as a professional and responsible Organization, did not shoot at the so-called protesters.
“For emphasis, the Service reiterates its avowed readiness to release Sowore once the processes are concluded. It maintains that the appropriate persons have still not turned up to take delivery of Sowore.
“While all those that have so far shown up are not directly concerned with the matter and therefore unqualified, many others have either chosen to grandstand or politicize it to achieve hidden interests.
“In the last few days, the Service has continued to witness deliberate campaigns of calumny, threats and aspersions against it. It will not, for any reason, join issues with its mudslingers. The media is called upon to be neutral and remain champions of the truth.
“It is only appropriate that those who stood surety for Sowore present themselves and have him released to them. It is even more disappointing that Femi Falana, who is a senior lawyer, would wrongly guide his client and supporters. He is rather playing to the gallery and mobilizing miscreants to subvert the Service and other state authorities. He has excellent relationship with the DGSS. But in the circumstance, he has refused to reach out to him over the case like he had on previously related ones.” The State Service explained.
The Service also restated its commitment to the rule of law and particularly respect to the Court while reassuring the public that it will not waste a second to release Sowore if the proper processes are followed.
