Former presidential aspirant and leader of the Rescue Movement for New Nigeria, Faduri Oluwadare Joseph, (Fadojoe) has praised the outgoing Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Magaji Bichi, for his dedication to fighting corruption during his tenure.
Fadojoe, in a statement signed on Tuesday, acknowledged that Bichi served Nigeria to the best of his ability, despite the challenges that came with the position.
He hailed Bichi’s service and commitment to the nation.
He, however, cautioned the incoming DSS DG to be wary of staff jubilation over his appointment, advising him to exercise restraint and not be swayed by praise or criticism.
He urged the new DG to remain apolitical and avoid being used as an instrument for political vendettas.
The statement read apart, “No doubt, the measurement of a man’s tenure in office, especially in a nation like Nigeria, may not necessarily be measured by the reaction of staff.
“Yusuf Magaji Bichi served Nigeria in his capacity as the DSS DG to the best of his ability, I would think. And as his removal is a constitutional right of Mr President, we in the public domain would appreciate his service to our nation and dedication to fight corruption in the face of a nation where emotions runs high in our daily life.
”Occupying such an higher office is not a joke and it comes with so many challenges that sometimes that subordinate may have no knowledge of, but in it all; his service to the people of this country would not be taking for granted.
“He served his own time with his best, and the last time i visited the DSS, no doubt I was able to have an insight look at the challenges they face every day as well. So on behalf of well meaning Nigerians, thank you for your service Yusuf Magaji Bichi.
“Having said that, my advice to the incoming new DSS DG is to be cautious as it’s seen in the public domain that the staff of DSS are rejoicing over his appointment, many will come as friends only to destroy or praise so they can bend the rules in so many ways. Leaders, many at times are never seen as good, especially in a nation like ours; if people are not directly benefiting from him instead of people benefiting from government, but they see their leader as the one many at times as the person blocking their promotion, their benefits. Therefore I will advise the new DG to exercise restraint and caution and not be carried away with staff jubilation of his appointment or jubilation over his predecessor removal, as those who did same for his ex-boss might end up doing same for him when it’s time.
“Finally, as the new DG takes the oath of office, please remember your service is to Nigeria as a nation and Nigerians as people, and not to do the bidding of the political class.
“The job requires providing intelligence information that would lead to protection of our country from enemy within and without, the presidency, and all government officials without also compromising when any leader acts in a way that can jeopardize the peace and security of Nigerians.
“The New DG of DSS should stay out of politics and not to be used as instrument for the incumbent to go after their perceived political enemies. The institution also know its jurisdiction not to interfere in affairs outside their organization.
“Peace and security of our nation with intelligence gathering to help fight insecurity in the nation and any act that can threaten security of life and property no doubt is the major obligation of the DSS and we hope this organization will stick to that and not be used as tool for punishment by politicians on the other side of the aisle.
“The President of Nigeria His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the right to remove and replace any government official at any time, as enshrined in the constitution; but in doing so, the president must always do so in fairness and in service to the nation not just as political appointment to those who will do the bids of the government, instead of the people.
