DSS apologises to Sokoto NUJ, vows to sanction erring personnel

By Umar Abdullahi
The Department of State Services (DSS), Sokoto State Office, has tendered an apology to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, and its Secretary, Comrade Muhammad Nasir Bello, following a recent incident involving a journalist in the state.
In a statement issued by the NUJ Sokoto State Council Chairman, Comrade Usman Mohammed Binji, the union said the apology was conveyed by a high-level delegation comprising three Deputy Directors of the Service and the Chief Detail of the Sokoto State Government House.
The delegation visited the NUJ leadership to express regret over the incident.
During the visit, the DSS representatives stressed that it was never the intention or directive of the Service to humiliate, intimidate or harass any journalist carrying out legitimate professional duties.
They assured the Council that such an incident would not recur and disclosed that appropriate administrative sanctions would be taken against the personnel involved.
The delegation also acknowledged the cordial working relationship between the Service and the media, expressing its commitment to strengthening and sustaining the existing relationship.
The NUJ Sokoto State Council appreciated the apology and assurances offered by the DSS, describing them as an important step towards addressing the incident and preventing a recurrence.
The Council reiterated its commitment to promoting responsible journalism and maintaining professional relationships with security agencies and other stakeholders.
However, it emphasised that the safety, dignity and freedom of journalists must be respected at all times, particularly in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.