President Bola Tinubu has swiftly intervened in the ongoing dispute between the Department of State Security Service (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by ordering the DSS to immediately vacate the contentious EFCC office in Ikoyi, Lagos. This decision comes after reports of a siege on the EFCC office reached the President’s attention, causing concerns about the impact on the fight against economic and financial crimes in the country.
The EFCC had raised an alarm over the siege to its office building by DSS operatives, emphasizing that this action posed a significant threat to their mission. The DSS operatives had laid siege to the EFCC office on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, preventing EFCC personnel from gaining access to the facility.
In a statement posted on its verified social media handles, the EFCC revealed that its Lagos Command officers arrived at their office on No. 15 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, only to be denied entry by agents of the DSS who had barricaded the entrance with armoured personnel carriers. The obstruction created a tense situation and raised questions about the relationship between the two agencies.
Responding to the allegations, the DSS vehemently denied barricading the EFCC office. In a statement released by Dr. Peter Afunanya, the DSS spokesperson, it was clarified that there was no controversy surrounding No. 15A Awolowo Road as insinuated by the media. The statement emphasized the cooperation and partnership between the DSS and EFCC, dismissing any notion of rivalry.
President Tinubu, taking to his Twitter handle, expressed his commitment to resolving any issues between these two crucial government agencies amicably. Acknowledging their significance and the importance of their collaboration, he assured the public that the matter would be addressed and resolved in the best interest of the nation.
President Tinubu’s prompt intervention in the conflict between the DSS and EFCC over the contentious office in Lagos sends a strong message of his commitment to maintaining a harmonious working relationship between government agencies. By directing the DSS to vacate the EFCC office, Tinubu aims to restore peace and ensure the uninterrupted fight against economic and financial crimes. As the situation unfolds, it is expected that the issue will be resolved amicably, reinforcing the mutual cooperation between these essential entities for the betterment of the nation.