The Department of State Services (DSS) may have invited former House of Representatives Speaker and leader of the National Consultative Front (NCFront), Ghali Umar Na’abba, to answer some questions.
The invitation, according to the spokesperson of NCFront, Dr Tanko Yunusa, was for Na’abba to go to the DSS headquarters in Abuja.
The group also posted a video it suggested might have led to the invitation.
In an explanatory note to the video, the group called attention to the details of the comments.
“Please listen to the sincere assessment of the State of Nigeria presented by NCFront Co Chairman, Former Speaker, Rt Hon Ghali Umar Na’aba on behalf NCFront National Leaders of Conscience on the new mission to Rescue Nigeria and create a New Nigeria that works for all, which has thrown the Nigerian Government into panic and prompted the DSS to invite the Former Speaker for Monday, 17th August, 2020.” the group quoted Na’Abba to have said.
“Are we now in a Police State and not in a civil Democracy any more?” the group queried.
The DSS spokesman, Dr Peter Afunanya, had yet to react to the development. An online newspaper reported that he did not pick a call to his line as of the time of publishing the story.
NCFront said in its statement: “Distinguished Compatriots, Please be notified that the DSS on Friday sent an invitation to NCFront Co-Chair and Former Speaker of Nigeria, Rt Hon Ghali Umar Na’aba after his very profound interview on Channels Television on Thursday in regard to the NCFront agenda to bring about a new Nigeria that works for all.
“However, our Leader, Ghali Umar Na’aba has decided to honour the DSS invitation and therefore shall be visiting the DSS Headquarters in Abuja on Monday at 12noon.
“All NCFront Organs, Structures and Allies nationwide are, by this notice, put on the alert as “eternal vigilance is the price of liberty”
The DSS had, in a statement last week, indicated interest to combat persons who create tension in the country.
Part of the DSS statement by Dr. Afunanya on Friday “On 27th July, 2020, the Department of State Services (DSS) alerted the nation about desperate efforts by some notable personalities to use their exalted positions; take advantage of developments in the country and cause a total breakdown of law and order.
“It also revealed that part of the orchestrations was to engage in divisive acts as well as use inciting statements to pit one group against another.
“With latest occurrences in the country, Nigerians may have no reason to doubt the Service’s earlier pronouncement….
“Similarly, the Service also wishes to warn others, who in the guise of political mobilization and supposed pursuit of group interests, engage in hostile and subversive activities, to desist forthwith from advancing their inimical and parochial causes.
“The Service will not stand idly and watch disgruntled and aggrieved elements take laws into their hands and cause mayhem in the polity.
“In line with its mandate of detecting and preventing threats and crimes against the internal security of Nigeria, the Service hereby reiterates its previous warning that it will henceforth not condone unruly conducts of persons and groups that ought to know better.
“In this regard, it will not hesitate to, within the confines of the law, decisively deal with such persons and/or groups, no matter how highly placed, that may wish to test its resolve.
“It will, nonetheless, continue to support participatory democracy in the country and therefore urges all players to abide by the rules of the game.
“On the other hand, the Service implores law abiding citizens to go about their normal businesses without fear. It assures them of protection and pledges to strengthen existing measures designed to achieve this objective.”
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