society

The lies Against DSS DG, Yusuf Bichi and the Truth By Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi.

Published

1 year ago

December 4, 2023

Sahara Weekly

The lies Against DSS DG, Yusuf Bichi and the Truth

By Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi.

Politics is everywhere and it’s in everything but the bitter aspect of politicking is the Pull Him Down (PHD) Syndrome, a tool used by antagonists to destroy credibility of credible people by spreading unfounded rumours and lies just to smear someone’s image and subject such a person to ridicule in the eyes of esteemed members of the public .

Mallam Yusuf Bichi, the Director General of the Department of State Service, DSS was recently a victim of the PHD Syndrome when a delusional
element, Jackson Ude who on his X (Twitter) handle @jacksonpnb went to the media space to claim that the Director General siphoned an imaginary payment of Thirty-five thousand naira (₦35,000) meant for the payment of wages approved by President Bola Tinubu for personnel of the service.

He also claimed that Bichi would pocket N200million as he prepares to leave the agency he had once retired from and that Bichi’s tenure is the worst in the history of DSS in Nigeria and that the agency’s personnel are angry with him.

This unsubstantiated claims and diatribe against the DG generated controversy in the media space, some gullible element like him who have no idea of how DSS operates deliberately choose to believe him even when the authority of the DSS through Dr Peter Afunaya, Director, PR & Strategic Communications of the Service came to the open to debunk the story and gave an insght into the true situation.

Afunaya, while clarifying the claims said the allegations are entirely false. Part of his statement states, “It wishes to clarify that neither the DG nor anyone acting on his directive has looted staff subsidy grant. No such grant has been made available to the Service and once that is allocated, staff will, as usual, receive what is due them”. Mr Bichi has, in all ramifications, evidently catered for the welfare of active and retired personnel of the service. This is a common knowledge and this could also be verified by the said Ude.

Similarly, the so called “goodbye allowance” which Ude accused the DG of granting himself is non-existent. It is only an imagination of the writer and his sponsors. But assuming the DG is paid any severance package at the end of his tenure, how is that unethical and outside established public service rule?

Recalled Bichi who retired in 2018 from the service, was recalled back and appointed the DG, DSS due to his spartan, accountable, transparent and incorruptible character.

He has remained resolute in running the Service and has shown uncommon commitment in the management of it’s affairs. His top priorities are staff welfare and judicious application of human and material resources. Any misleading narratives to the contrary are therefore unacceptable.”

A foremost traditional ruler in Yorubaland Olowu of Owu Kuta, Oba Hameed Adekunle Oyelude Makama, CON, Tegbosun III, who also reacted to the baseless allegations, tesfified to the credibility of the DG and cautioned against dirty politics against the DSS.

Olowu who stated that the intention of the purveyors of the fake news is to cause disaffection between the officers and the DG, maintained that “BICHI” does not take welfare packages of officers and personnel for granted that’s why many operatives and stakeholders wants President Tinubu to retain the services of the DG. This false narrative is dead on arrival because the Service has been enjoying series of packages even before President Tinubu came on board”

Several other groups and individuals including, the Coalition of Civil Society Groups Against Terrorism in Nigeria in defending the DG opined that the DSS under the leadership of Mallam Yusuf Bichi operates within the bounds of the law and adheres to international best practices because he is an astute and versatile administrator, a resourceful, a highly detribalized Nigerian, an intelligence officer of immense repute and more importantly a transparent and prudent leader, who possesses a high level of experience and exposure that has no doubt repositioned and made the Service one that Nigerians and the personnel are proud of”.

Bichi whose sterling performance and dedication to duty stood him out as an officer served meritoriously in different capacities such as a State Director, Director in the National Headquarter Directorates of Security Enforcement, Operations, Intelligence, Inspectorate, Administration and Finance, National Assembly Liaison and the State Services Academy Lagos, one of the training institutions of the Service.

Mr. Bichi is no doubt an Intelligence Officer of great excellence. Known for his disposition to mentoring young and upcoming officers, the DG, DSS is astute, modest and has a mien that attracts. He is an urbane man and brings his wealth of experience to bear on his job. This constantly fuels his passion for creativity and innovation. Predictably, this has led to several reforms since his assumption of office as the DG,DSS.

I think by now the purveyors of the fake news and their paymasters would have known the fact that tarnishing Bichi’s image to score cheap popularity and political goal is dead on arrival, no one is saying Mallam Bichi is a saint but his records of achievements over the years attested to the fact that Bichi’s tenure is one of the best time in the DSS because of his leadership style and vision.

In reiterating his mission statement, he said, “my vision is to create a friendly working environment, enhance staff capacities through training and welfare, as well as ensure that the DSS remains a democratically-complaint intelligence agency in Nigeria”.

society

FG Issues Alert on New COVID-19 Variant XEC Found in 29 Countries

Published

10 hours ago

December 7, 2024

Sahara Weekly

FG Issues Alert on New COVID-19 Variant XEC Found in 29 Countries

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has raised an alert on the new XEC COVID-19 variant, urging heightened surveillance across Nigeria’s healthcare facilities.

The XEC variant, first identified in Australia, has now been detected in 29 countries and is showing a growth advantage over existing strains. Health experts are concerned about its potential impact on public health.

The warning was conveyed in a letter dated December 5, addressed to the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. O.N. Anuma.

“I am directed to inform you of the newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant which has already spread to 29 countries globally. This variant has shown a growth advantage over other circulating strains, raising concerns about its potential impact on public health,” the letter read.

Call to Action

Dr. Anuma emphasized the need for immediate vigilance in hospitals nationwide.

“Alert systems should be activated immediately for a high index of suspicion in patients presenting with COVID-like symptoms,” he said.

The ministry also stressed the importance of collaboration among health institutions to monitor the variant and share critical data.

“We urge you to work with relevant stakeholders to implement enhanced monitoring protocols and ensure timely information sharing with the Federal Ministry of Health for effective response strategies.”

Global Spread and Implications

First identified in Germany in June, the XEC variant has since been reported in France, the United States, the UK, Denmark, and other countries. Over 600 cases have been recorded globally, with scientists noting that while the variant has mutations that may aid its spread, vaccines are expected to remain effective in preventing severe cases.

society

Bunmi Olu: A trailblazing woman and epitome of excellence reaches another incredible milestone ~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

Published

11 hours ago

December 7, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Bunmi Olu: A trailblazing woman and epitome of excellence reaches another incredible milestone

~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

A London-based Nigerian entrepreneur celebrates a landmark birthday with outstanding entrepreneurial acumen at fifty plus on Saturday, 7th December 2024

Bunmi Olu’s leadership style, marked by exceptional courage, integrity, and dedication to duty as founder of Dreamfo Widows and Widowers International NGO, has earned her a special place in the hearts of good Nigerians at home and abroad, and indeed the world at large

Your tireless pursuit of excellence in public service is a beacon of inspiration, and your remarkable legacy amongst women of virtue in the public sphere continues to inspire others to achieve greatness

As a trailblazing woman of substance, you continue to demonstrate remarkable courage in all your endeavors, while also committing to develop a responsible management system that ensures the efficient utilization of international resources at Dreamfo, a hub for thousands of widows and widowers

Your project vision has showcased considerable positive impact on womanhood and society as a whole, and it remains impressive. Your ability to make substantial contributions to the growth of future generations and create employment opportunities to some Dreamfo widows and widowers is indeed exceptional and second to none

Ma, your accomplishments as a distinguished woman in the battalion serve as a testament to your lasting influence on the community and its residents

Your exemplary work ethic and steadfast commitment to the well-being of the people have won their trust and appreciation, a reflection of your exceptional leadership

I’m delighted to extend my sincerest congratulations to you on this momentous birthday occasion

May this birthday celebration continue to motivate you to reach greater heights of achievement and service to humanity

Congratulations once more ma! May God continue to bless and guide you. Amen!

Oluwaseun Fabiyi a seasoned journalist writes from Lagos

society

Nine-Year-Old Playing with Matches Sparks Bungalow Fire in Kwara

Published

17 hours ago

December 6, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Nine-Year-Old Playing with Matches Sparks Bungalow Fire in Kwara

A nine-year-old child accidentally set a three-bedroom bungalow ablaze in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, on Thursday.

The incident occurred at No. 52, Mandate 2 Housing Estate, in the Ilorin West Local Government Area. According to the Kwara State Fire Service, the fire began when the child ignited a mattress while playing with matches.

Eyewitnesses reported that the fire destroyed a bedroom, the kitchen, and the balcony of the house. The boy’s mother was reportedly outside attending to visitors when neighbors noticed heavy smoke billowing from the bungalow and raised the alarm.

In a statement on Friday, the Kwara State Fire Service confirmed the incident. The Principal Fire Officer and Head of Media and Publicity, Hassan Adekunle, provided details:

“The Kwara State Fire Service responded to a fire outbreak on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at No. 52 Mandate Housing Estate, Ilorin. A three-bedroom flat was nearly destroyed due to a fire caused by a nine-year-old child playing with matches.”

Safety Warning to Parents

The fire service urged parents and guardians to educate children about the dangers of playing with fire and to store matches, lighters, and other flammable materials securely.

“We strongly advise parents to prioritize safety, particularly during the holiday season when children are often left unsupervised at home. Vigilance is essential to prevent such incidents,” the statement read.

With the festive season approaching, the fire service also warned about the risks associated with firecrackers:

“Parents must educate their children on the dangers of firecrackers, commonly known as bangers, and ensure they are used responsibly, if at all. Together, we can prevent tragedies during the festive period.”

Authorities emphasized the importance of fire safety awareness, urging families to take proactive measures to protect lives and property.