The Department of State Services (DSS) has initiated training for its officers in public relations in preparation for the 2023 general election. According to the agency’s spokesperson, Dr. Peter Afunanya, the DSS conducted a four-day Strategic Workshop for its State Directors of Security and Heads of Institutions from January 18 to 21, 2023, at its National Headquarters in Abuja. This workshop was part of the Service’s efforts to ensure readiness for the upcoming election.
During the workshop, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, delivered a keynote address regarding the Commission’s preparations for the election. He assured the DSS of INEC’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election. Additionally, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Director of Legal at INEC, provided participants with insights on the Electoral Act 2022 and its implications for security agencies. The DSS also reviewed the current security situation in the country and reaffirmed its support for INEC, aligning with the President’s commitment to ensuring a transparent electoral process.
On January 23, 2023, the Director-General of the DSS, Alhaji Yusuf Bichi, opened a capacity-building seminar in Public Relations for mid-level officers from the State Commands. This seminar features resource persons from the media, public relations, and academia. Afunanya noted that Bichi emphasized the importance of professionalism and neutrality among personnel in fulfilling the Service’s mandate before, during, and after the general election. At the conclusion of the strategic workshop, participants pledged to collaborate with sister agencies, INEC, and other relevant stakeholders to facilitate peaceful elections nationwide.
In a related development, the DSS began a two-week Joint Service training program on January 16, 2023, at the National Institute for Security Studies in Abuja. This program includes participants from the Armed Forces, Police, and other law enforcement and response agencies. The initiative aims to strengthen interagency relations in light of their distinct and collective roles in the upcoming elections. The Joint Service Course is designed to enhance collaboration and efficiency among agencies during the electoral process. The 2023 presidential election is scheduled to take place on February 25, which is just a few weeks away.
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