Yusuf Magaji: Nigerian govt replies to critics, says DG DSS’ appointment not lopsided

The Federal Government has reacted to the criticisms that trailed the appointments of the substantive Director-General of the Department of State Security, DSS, Yusuf Magaji Bichi.

DAILY POST had reported that Bichi’s appointment generated controversies from all corners, with many accusing the President Muhammdu Buhari-led government of favouring the north.

However, reacting to the criticisms, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said President Muhammadu Buhari was not lopsided in the totality of appointments made into public offices and cannot be judged only on isolated case of security sector.

Mohammed in an interview with Channels Television, advised critics to stop focusing only on the security sector in their assessment.

He said, “Those talking about balancing and federal character should stop focusing on one aspect.

“Let us see how many Permanent Secretaries, Director-Generals and Executive Directors and Heads of Parastatals we have in Nigeria today and where they come from.

“This will give us a more insight to the fact that this administration is not lopsided in appointments.

“We should stop looking at only one side to make our judgment and anywhere we notice any lopsidedness government will correct it.”

The minister also debunked allegations that the N16.6 billion Paris Club refund to Osun state was to secure victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

“This is not the first time the Paris Club refund is being made available to states, I think it should be about the fourth time the government had released the money.

“This particular tranche would have been drawn a while ago but for the disagreement between the governors and the Federal Government.

“It is released to all the states, so, it has nothing to do with the election, the timing may be a coincidence,” he said.