BY MIKE OJOOBANIKAN
The Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, Tuesday, ordered the immediate sack of the Director General, Department of State Security, DSS, Malam Lawal Musa Daura.
Daura’s termination was announced via a terse press statement issued by Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, in the Office of the Acting President.
Though there was no reason given for the DG’s sack, it might not be unconnected with the lockdown of the National Assembly, Tuesday morning, situation Presidency sources said embarrassed the government.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, had reported that earlier on Tuesday, the Acting President had summoned Daura and the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
It was reported that the acting President had requested the two security chiefs, who arrived Aso Rock at different times, to update him on security developments in the country, including the blockade of the National Assembly by security officials early in the morning.
The Inspector-General of Police was the first to arrive at about 12.35 p.m. followed by the DSS Director General at about 1.15 p.m.
Police and operatives of the DSS had, early on Tuesday, blocked the main gate of the National Assembly, preventing lawmakers, staff members and from gaining access into the complex.
The security operatives, however, later allowed the lawmakers access into the complex while journalists and other staff were barred.
Daura was directed to hand over to the most senior officer of the State Security Service until further notice.