DSS Exonerates Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa of False Allegation
The Department of State Services (DSS) wishes to dissociate itself from a recent publication of the *Authority Newspaper* which claimed that the Chairman of the Presidential Election Tribunal, Justice Zainab BULKACHUWA, was purportedly indicted for bribery and corruption by a certain Secret Memo of the Service.
Consequently, the DSS categorically states that the said Memo only exists in the imagination of the writers and should be roundly disregarded by the reading public.
It is unfortunate that the Newspaper followed unethical ways to publish this falsehood. It is rather curious and indeed condemnable that the Newspaper did not reach out to the Service for its comments as would have been expected in a reportage of this nature.
The Service has, nonetheless, launched a detailed investigation into the controversies surrounding the said publication.
It is the wish of the Service that it is left out of the maneuvers of politicians who are hereby advised to abide by the rule of law and respect the entire process of electoral litigations regarding the activities of the tribunal.
While it (the Service) will continue to collaborate with the media as strategic partners in nation building, it admonishes pratictioners to be lawful and professional in the execution of their responsibility.
However, mischief makers, intent on causing disaffection in the polity are warned to desist from such acts as the full weight of the law will be visited on defaulters.
The DSS remains unwavering in providing the enabling environment for the pursuit of legitimate aspirations by well meaning and law abiding members of the populace.
Peter AFUNANYA
Public Relations Officer,
Department of State Services,
National Headquarters,
Abuja
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
May, 11th 2019
The Director-General,
Department of State Security (DSS),
Asokoro, Abuja.
ATTN: MR. PETER AFUNANYA (PRO)
RE: DSS SECRET MEMO INDICTS JUSTICE ZAINAB BULKACHUWA –
A REBUTTAL AND PULL-DOWN OF ONLINE REPORT
Our attention have been drawn to a publication with the above referenced headline published on our online platform on May 9th, 2019.
Immediately the Editor noticed the said unauthorised publication, he ordered a pull-down of the said story from our online platform which was complied with even before his invitation to your office. The staff member responsible was also sanctioned.
We hereby express our unreserved apology for the embarrassment the said story may have caused you.
As a responsible media organisation, we have no intention to bring the DSS to disrepute, nor impinge on the integrity of the Hon. Justice.
The AUTHORITY and the DSS in particular, and other arms of the nation’s security apparatus have enjoyed cordial, robust relationship, which should be encouraged.
Once again we apologise for any embarrassment this might have caused you.
Thanks for your understanding and continued support.
,
Madu Onuorah,
Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief
