The Forum of State Security Service Retired Directors, FORD, has rallied around the Director-General of the service, Yusuf Bichi, in his quest to surmount security challenges confronting the country.
Leading the FORD members on a solidarity visit to the director-general on Thursday in Abuja, the duo of J.O. Obuseh and Barrister Peter Egure urged Mr Bichi to disregard mischief-makers “whose stock in trade is to undermine the integrity of the Service and its Management Team”.
According to a statement by the SSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, the delegation stated that the visit was to identify with the DG as well as commend him for his “sterling leadership”.
The Forum stated that it had taken a keen interest in the affairs of the service and had remained impressed with the way he had handled issues including staff welfare and national security.
While calling on its members and serving personnel to support the director-general, the forum described Mr Bichi as a man with robust experience and a core professional whose humility and dedication to duty is public knowledge.
They, therefore, advised the DG to avoid being distracted by “mischief-makers whose stock in trade is to undermine the integrity of the Service and its Management Team”.
The forum, while pledging their support to the DG, urged him to remain focused, determined and selfless in his commitment in moving the DSS forward.
In his response, the DG thanked the forum for the visit saying their solidarity has renewed him for greater service to the country and the Service.
He noted that, in line with the mandate of the Service, his leadership would continue to ensure that threats and crimes against the internal security of Nigeria are eliminated or contained so that law-abiding citizens can pursue their legitimate businesses.
While saying that he had adopted a stakeholder collaboration as a model, Mr Bichi said security management should be the concern of all and sundry.
He assured the forum of his Management’s dedication to its welfare, as well as commitment to the welfare of serving members whose wellbeing have always been his priority.
The DGSS said: “I am here today to serve. I will remain professional in the discharge of my responsibility and ensure that everyone is treated without bias.
“I will ensure the Service accomplishes its mandate of detection and prevention of crime against the internal security of Nigeria.
“I call on all, retired and serving, to be dedicated to taking the Service to greater heights. We are aware of the challenges ahead but only a unity of purpose will help us overcome them.
“It is only if and when we collaborate that we can move the Service and the nation forward. All hands must be on deck for us to defeat the plans of lawbreakers. I thank you for coming”.
