How Protests Triggered Resignations At DSS And NIA

How Protests Triggered Resignations At DSS And NIA

The resignation of Yusuf Bichi, the former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and Ahmed Abubakar, the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), has been met with various reactions. Inside sources have revealed that President Bola Tinubu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu scrutinized the performance of these intelligence agencies after the violent #EndBadGovernance protests in some northern states and the seizure of Nigerian presidential jets in France……CONTINUE READING 

Bichi faced criticism for failing to provide adequate intelligence regarding the protests, while Abubakar was questioned over the NIA’s lack of foresight on the aircraft seizure by the Chinese company Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited. The aircraft were seized due to a legal dispute involving the Ogun State Government.

The protests, which erupted on August 1, escalated into violence in Kano, Gombe, Yobe, Borno, and Bauchi states, leading to destruction and curfews. In contrast, the South-West protests remained peaceful. The unrest was fueled by economic grievances such as fuel subsidy removal and rising living costs.

Bichi, appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018, and Abubakar, appointed the same year, faced dismissal as a consequence of the embarrassment caused by the protests and the jet seizure. Sources indicate that Tinubu and Ribadu were particularly disturbed by these events, leading to their decision to request their resignations.

In addition to these national issues, Bichi’s tenure was marked by internal dissatisfaction among DSS staff. Officers, speaking anonymously, described Bichi’s exit as a relief from what they perceived as unprofessionalism. They alleged that Bichi’s family, including his wife and son, were involved in abuses of power, and that his leadership negatively impacted career advancement and worker welfare.

Some DSS personnel celebrated Bichi’s resignation, viewing it as an end to what they considered nepotism and mismanagement. Allegations include arbitrary recruitment practices and neglect of personnel welfare. Critics also pointed out that Bichi’s wife was reportedly involved in multiple controversies, including physical altercations with DSS staff.

Despite these claims, the Executive Director of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, Debo Adeniran, noted that staff celebrations could reflect various factors, including dissatisfaction with leadership style or personal grievances.

Bichi’s tenure was also marred by controversial actions, such as the arrest of former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele and political activist Omoyele Sowore. These cases, along with other incidents involving unlawful detentions, contributed to the controversy surrounding his leadership.

Efforts to reach Bichi for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.