EFCC and DSS feud: Where is Mr. President?

In Nigeria, it is not uncommon to find two groups of security personnel fighting each other. It is either a group of police officers are having some misunderstanding with a group of military officers, or officers of same force are fighting among themselves. In some instances, it degenerates into shootings and counter-shootings. As if they […]

In Nigeria, it is not uncommon to find two groups of security personnel fighting each other. It is either a group of police officers are having some misunderstanding with a group of military officers, or officers of same force are fighting among themselves. In some instances, it degenerates into shootings and counter-shootings. As if they are not tasked with defending and protecting a single country.

In recent times, the feud between security outfits has taken a new, baffling, and confusing twist. The misunderstanding between the head of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and that of the Department of State Services (DSS) is increasing day in day out. The two bosses have been at loggerhead since retired air commodore Umar Muhammad who was once a member of the presidential anti-corruption committee was arrested. He was arrested on accusations of corruption and the DSS went further to accuse the EFCC boss of associating with the said Muhammad and even benefiting from proceed of corruption.

While the president kept sending Magu to the senate for confirmation after his rejection, and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) cleared Magu of all accusations levelled against him by the DSS, the DSS has maintained its position on the damaging security report on Magu. This lack of synergy and harmony between the President and his subordinates has resulted in a ripple effect. This is so because the senate has inclined with the DSS report in lieu of that of the AGF and refused to confirm the nomination of Magu. 

Since then, any other nomination from the presidency has been put on hold for confirmation by the senate until and unless the president sacks and replace Magu. Something the president doesn’t look ready to abide by. All these are indicators of lack understanding among members of the same government and have prompted Nigerians to wonder if anyone exists to bring decorum in this government.

Recently, the EFCC had cried out over the refusal of DSS to release some of it personnel for questioning on allegations of corruption. The most disturbing part of this drama was when the EFCC recently went to effect the arrest of the Ex-DG of the DSS Ekpeyong Ita and that of the National Inteligence Agency (NIA)  Mr Ayo Oke who was sacked for being complicit in the case of millions of dollars found in an Ikoyi apartment. 

Even though the EFCC was armed with two separate warrants from a court to arrest the former DGs and search their residence, they faced stiff resistance from armed men of the DSS. This resulted in a stand-off that lasted for hours and ending without the arrest of any of the duo. The above action is sad, disgracing, and indeed an abuse of power. 

At the onset of this misunderstanding, one will assume the president has called his boys to order. But unfortunately, with the rate at which the misunderstanding is degenerating, there is no sign the president has waded into the matter or at worst one will assume he’s disconnected with the happenings. It will be a slap on the face of this regime if the president cannot bring these men to order and will leave us asking if the president is really the Commander-in-Chief. 

Yahya Idris, Kaduna