By Kolawole Musiliu
It is quite ironic and sad that Sahara Reporters is choosing to mudsling the State Security Service and its current management. While the timing may be probably justified – for the few who believe in Omoyele Sowore’s roforofo antics. 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 is not being tarnished by this man whose stock-in- trade is falsehood.
As an outsider, it is worth stating that since August 28th, 2024, when the DG took office, the SSS hasn’t required any advertisement. Security circles and well-meaning and discerning Nigerians know with certainty that the agency has not only turned a new leaf but also appear 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 have 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, is that facts should be respected as absolute truths!
Several insider sources 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 percent and 35 percent increase and the payments that followed the arrears.
I reliably gathered from my friends in the Service that the new DG has implemented a new salary structure with 25 to 35 percent salary increment, including full payment of outstanding wage awards of N35,000 with arrears.
Even though it is not proper to publicly discuss the welfare issues of secret policemen, I, however, reliably gathered that personnel of the agency are happy that their Productivity fund has been increased by about 200 percent for each of the 37 Commands.
Beginning October, I also gathered, there will be a group life insurance to accommodate support for the education of wards of deceased personnel.
My friends in the Service are also happy that, for unskilled and casual workers in the Service, the DG has approved the payment of national minimum wage. Definitely, the aforesaid can’t be said to be the hallmarks of an inconsiderate leadership.
Back to the crux of my point, the above welfare innovations tell what obtains in the SSS. For persons who are discerning, the reckless claim that eight officers died due to exam-related complications is nothing but the typical gimmick of Sahara Reporters to lie to stir discontent. In this case, to exact it’s pound of flesh for the role the secret police is playing to curb his excesses.
The agency has remained true to its culture of steadfastly guarding the principles of fairness. As an analyst, I would counsel Sowore to desist from these mindless attacks. The personnel of the agency who now enjoy career-paradise will not forgive his baseless rhetoric.
Musiliu lives in Abuja
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