The Dolphin Retired Staff Association has cautioned a retired Director of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Mohammed Dauda over the way and manner he is handling an In-House matter. This is contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, signed by the Secretary of the Association, Amb. Augustine O. Onyeka and made available to newsmen.
The statement stated that, Ambassador Dauda who was briefly put in Acting appointment has gone to the public, seeking adjudication in staff matters strictly controlled by in-service rules and regulations to which he had sworn to uphold, while joining the Service, noting that such action is at the peril of national security.
It added that, “In all modern states, such a behavioural disposition is considered as “treason” due to the very nature of the Service, essentially a covert role in the conduct of relations among nations. Ambassador Mohammed Dauda has engaged himself in wild allegations which he knows very well the Service will not be able to present in the public domain.”
The Association reminds Ambassador Dauda to note that the Service he claims to belong to and love so much is a disciplined one, whose guiding and directing principles, are according to international best practices.
“The Association to which retired staff of the NIA belong (according to international best practices) wants to remind Ambassador Dauda to note that the Service he claims to belong to and love so much is a disciplined one, whose guiding and directing principles, are according to international best practices and must be upheld in order to prevent indiscipline at the peril of national security. Nigeria, therefore, is NOT re-inventing the wheel in this regard. Suffice it to note that even ordinary social associations/organisations have rules and regulations to which all willing members MUST subscribe and adhere to, or risk being thrown out. Why should the NIA be an exception, given the very nature of its national duty/assignment?”
The Association therefore urges Ambassador Dauda to search his conscience and remember the Oath of Allegiance and Official Secret Act he has sworn to as it will be unprofessional of the Service to engage in fruitless polemics with him.
Furthermore, it really does not make sense to be talking about an issue that the Director has brought before the law court and in which the court is adjudicating or giving judgment. He is reminded that his personal ambition to be Director-General should not supersede his professional calling and patriotism, even as he continues to reside outside of Nigeria.
“The Association wants to appreciates members of the Fourth Estate who have always shown concern in matters of national interest but wishes to appeal to its members to seek clarification on matters impinging on National Security issues before publication. The safeguard of national security is the responsibility of us all.” The statement concludes.