Sahara Reporters, Your Source Lied Woefully

By Kolawole Musiliu
It is quite ironic, if not ignorant, that Sahara Reporter is choosing to mudslide the State Security Service or its current management. While the timing may be probably justified (for those who believe in Omoyele Sowore’s roforofo-style of journalistic politics). Sowore’s long-time instrument of blackmail, which he deploys time and again, to defame whoever his person of interest is clearly at work.

While I would not have indulged the platform, owing to the childish recourse to this same manner of surreptitiously obtaining falsehoods, which in this case is about the SSS, it is important in the interest of those who mean well for this country and for personnel of the service serving diligently, that their dedication not be robbed by a thug or his falsehood.

As an outsider, it is worth stating emphatically that since August 28th, 2024, when the DG took office, the SSS has required no advertisement. Security circles and well-meaning Nigerians who have observed know with certainty that the agency has not only turned a new leaf but also seems to be experiencing its best days. The immense joy that greeted the appointment of their new DG was a clear sign of high expectations. It is obvious that not only had the agency revamped its operational etiquette to truly reflect its role as an intelligence procurement agency, but its administrative and welfare conditions for both active and retired staff had also dramatically improved. For those of us who observe from afar, curiosity grew about whether the ongoing celebration within the agency and from outsiders was sincere or just for show. You know, this is Nigeria, and one has to look twice. What I found, which by the way completely contradicts what Sahara reporters reported yesterday, is that facts should be respected as absolute truths!

Inside sources, large in number, have affirmed that staff prayed and waited long for their current DG. True to reputation, the “operational bishop” has indeed turned around their fortunes. The new management began with the payment of the Consolidated Nigerian Intelligence Salary Structure (CONNISS), tagged payment of the wage awards with areas for personnel of the Service. Also, to ease the burden of staff, management graciously revisited payment of Promotion Arrears for seven (7) years (2018–2024). Furthermore, the monthly Information Fund (IF) for both active and retired personnel has been revisited, helping staff access credible information for their operations. For years, I learned that staff bore this responsibility using parts of their salaries. Something that is seen as a miracle based on past experiences. The SSS also reviewed the packing allowance for staff by over 500 percent. Management introduced and implemented an Accident-free Allowance for drivers. Additionally, a reviewed Hazard Allowance was paid to medical workers with arrears. Remember, this same group of staff never protested or fought for these privileges; they worked diligently, hoping the right people would come to fix these issues. Pensioners are overjoyed with the remarkable 25% and 35% increases and the payments that followed the arrears.

To the crux of my point, the above welfare innovations tell what obtains in the SSS. For persons who are discerning, the reckless and inhuman claim that 8 officers died due to exam-related complications is nothing but the typical gimmick of Sahara reporters to stir dust, in this case, possibly in revenge.

The agency has remained true to its culture of steadfastly guarding the principles of fairness. As an onlooker, I would counsel Sowore to desist from these mindless attacks. Personnel of the agency who now enjoy career-paradise will not forgive his baseless rhetoric.

Kolawole Musiliu, a PR commentator based in Abuja.