NASS INVASION: Ex-DSS boss Daura awaits Buhari’s move, eager to tell his story

There are indications that the sacked Director General of the Department of State Service (DSS) Lawal Daura is eager to tell the world what actually led to his operatives invading the National Assembly on August 7, 2018.

Daura is still under house-arrest while Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is said to be studying the report of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris on the infamous siege on the National Assembly by operatives of DSS.

The former spy-master is also looking on to see what President Muhammadu Buhari intends to do with his case.
Daura, according to reports, has however been allowed to see his two wives and some associates at the safe house he is being kept in Abuja.

It would be recalled that Daura was sacked by then Acting President Osinbajo, who accused him of carrying out the invasion of the National Assembly complex without authorisation from the presidency.

However, an associate of the former DSS DG who does not want his name in print has insisted that the invasion was carried out in conjunction with other security agencies.

According to the source, President Buhari has forwarded the report of IGP Idris to VP Osinbajo for his input, after which a decision will be taken on his case.

Daria’s associate, said: “The former DG is still in a safe house but now with access to his wives, children and associates. He does not know what the presidency has for him. He is awaiting President Buhari’s decision.

“His ultimate desire is to let the President and Nigerians hear his own side of what really transpired on August 7. He is desirous of freedom now. He wants to return to his house.

“There is, however, an uneasy calm in government circle on how the President will resolve the matter. I think he is awaiting a brief from the VP on the IGP’s report.

“All officials, including ministers, are avoiding talking on Daura to avoid being accused of taking sides.

“We are all divided on this case but we are keeping our opinions to ourselves. We do not know the disposition of the President.”

Another close associate of Daura, who spoke to PRNigeria (a news agency) also insisted that the ex-DG was neither given a query over any issue nor indicted in his handling of affairs of the service until his sack.

According to the close associate, Daura took all actions in national interest.

“Daura took all actions in national interest through a collective responsibility, including involvement of principal officers of sister agencies even though he promised not to disclose on whose authority he acted to lay the siege to the National Assembly.

“While the former DSS boss has not officially handed over up till now, his house both in Asokoro and Gwarinpa have been thoroughly searched and nothing incriminating was found, and all items found, including necklace, praying mat, CDs, ATM card, women bags, documents and receipts have been duly returned to him.

”When he was invited by the then Acting President Yemi Osinbajo for the security briefing, he quickly rushed out and left some of his personal belongings, including phones in the office.”

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The source also disclosed that the former DSS boss felt demoralised after being tagged a mole of opposition elements.

The source also insinuated that Daura may have been sacrificed because the operation failed, and government could not live with the embarrassment.

Meanwhile, another presidency source noted that contrary to beliefs in some quarters, Buhari is not under pressure to recall Daura.

He stated that in all likelihood, the president has foreclosed Daura’s issue, and does not appear to have any interest in recalling, or reinstating him. More so, he said, Buhari has not shown much interest, especially officially, in the Daura matter since his return from his vacation in London.

By Timothy Enietan-Matthews….

 

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