By Gidado Ibrahim
Institutions are not static; they’re dynamic, responding to new challenges, knowledge, advancement in technology and new ways of doing things. That is why since the appointment of Yusuf Magaji Bichi as the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) in 2018, a lot has changed.
He has taken strategic steps that have modernised the secret police to the enviable hieght it has attained today. He is instriving hard to bring the service at par with its counterparts world over, like the FBI in the United States, the United Kingdom security service, M15, FSB of Russia and China’s MSS, among others.
As one who is vested in intelligence gathering, I have studied the operations of international spy masters across the globe. In their countries, they are well respected and disassociated from political issues and other forms of partisanship. The spy masters are treated discreetly without being dragged in the public in the name of media reports.
However, a recent report claiming that the DSS raided the office of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and carted away some files implicating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is worrisome. It is a needless distraction orchestrated by the enemies of Nigeria and vested interests targeted at ruining the good work of the DSS.
Accusing an institution that’s meant to protect the law of breaking the same is not only preposterous, shameful, misleading but ridiculous. Worse still is the fact that these mischief makers found willing collaborators in the media space.
This is to say the least, regrettable against the backdrop of the critical role the media plays in nation building. The Fourth Estate of the Realm, as Edmund Burke, who first used the term in a British parliamentary debate in 1787 at the House of Commons of Great Britain called the media, is a great power and a strategic stakeholder in nationbuilding.
The recent false reports by sections of the online media particularly SaharaReporters, Peoples Gazette and Jackson Ude, which necessitated a refuttal by the DSS, is a charade or better still, mischief carried too far. This is a needless distraction that is unpalatable for a strategic agency like the DSS. The reporting method of these media outfits is capable of jeopardising the prevailing peace and tranquillity that’s gradually returning to Nigeria. Spewing lies and misleading stories on weighty issue of institutional compromise is dangerous. Let me sound this note of caution that a few renegades in the media circle should not ruin the enviable reputation of the Nigerian media.
I think the intent here is nothing other than to drag President Tinubu’s name in the mud, discredit the DSS boss and whip up sentiment against the new government. This machination is coming too late in the day. Nigerians have passed through this before. This is an archaic method that will fall like pack of cards.
One thing that has become very obvious from the uncontrollable malfeasance of these media organisations is that they lack understanding of the real purpose and role of journalism in nationbuilding. Though it may be interesting or even entertaining, the foremost value of news is as a utility to empower the informed. The purpose of journalism is thus to provide citizens with the information they need to make the best possible decisions about their lives, their communities, their societies, and their governments.
In line with the foregoing understanding, Venerable Mahatma Gandhi, an Indian nationalist, who himself, ran four newspapers (Indian Opinion, Young India, Navajivan and Harijan) during his lifetime, believed that: “The sole aim of journalism should be service. The newspaper is a great power, but just as an unchained torrent of water submerges the whole countryside and devastates crops, even so an uncontrolled pen serves but to destroy (October 2, 1869 -January 30, 1948).
Just like the DSS emphasised in its refuttal statement, needless to dignify these charlatans with reply, however, for the sake of gullible Nigerians, who may be misled. Thank goodness the DSS is not distracted by the antics of mischief makers.
More assuaging is the DSS assurance that it will remain focused, resilient, patriotic and professional in the conduct of its affairs. That Nigeria is gradually coming out of challenging times, coupled with the 2023 general elections should, in huge part, be to the credit of the DSS. That the country did not burst is partly to the credit of the DSS under the leadership of Yusuf Bichi, who began his career in the security division of the Cabinet Office in Kano from where he joined the defunct Nigerian Security Organisation (NSO), the precursor of the present DSS.
Bichi has undergone training in intelligence processing analysis, agent handling recruitment and intelligence processing in the UK, as well as strategic training at the National Defence College. The DSS boss is skilled in intelligence gathering, research analysis, conflict management, general investigation, risk and vulnerability operations, counterintelligence and protective operation and human resources management. In the course of his career, Bichi has worked as the State Director of Security in Jigawa, Niger, Sokoto and Abia States.
He was at various times the Director, National Assembly Liaison, (National War College), Director at National Headquarters in the Directorate of Security Enforcement, Directorate of Operations, Directorate of Intelligence, Directorate of Inspection and Directorate of Administration and Finance. Bichi also served as a Director at State Service Academy.
With his pedigree, no one expects the DSS under Bichi’s leadership not to live up to its mandate. In retrospect, security of lives and property is the primary purpose of any responsible government and by extension the preoccupation of any society. It is in pursuit of this objective that the DSS was created. The Yusuf Bichi-led DSS has been proactive, meticulous and on top of its game. This has resulted in increasing safe Nigeria.
Bichi’s era in DSS gave rise to a new style of professionalism and accuracy in Nigeria’s secret police. His in sterling dexterity has brought organisational change and development. His skill and capacity has been tested in the ways he has managed the existential threats confronting the country.
He has inspired successes in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations across the North East and North West regions. His leadership has steadily provided intelligence for anti-corruption agencies as part of efforts in the fight against financial crimes.
Security experts have posited that the DSS under Bichi’s leadership, have become thecountry’s five senses and the pillars upon which the security of the country is solidified.
With over 40 years experience in security and intelligence gathering matters up his sleeves, I never had any doubt that Bichi would deliver when he was appointed in 2018.
He was unequivocal in his resolve. Bichi had clear vision of what the DSS under him should be like. He declared upon his appointment that: “My vision is to create a friendly work environment, enhance staff capacity through training and welfare, as well as ensure that the DSS remains a democratically-complaint intelligence agency in Nigeria”. Without an iota of a doubt, he has substantially delivered on his mission statement.
Against the backdrop of the foregoing, it is wrong for Yusuf Bichi to be rewarded with evil for good. All that’s needed is for all and sundry to support him in the quest to guarantee a safer Nigeria.
As for unrepentant mischief makers and their willing collaborators in the media, they should remember that they’re plying their trade because Nigeria is in peace. If they don’t desist, if they ruin the peace of this nation, when heaven falls, they too won’t be spared.
– Ibrahim is director, Communication and Strategic Planning, of the Presidential Support Committee (PSC).