An amalgamation of civil society groups in Nigeria has expressed concern over claims attributed to former Assistant Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Dennis Amachree, in his recently published book, Man’s Journey Behind the Shield.

In a statement jointly signed by Comrade Wale Adegoke, Convener, and Comrade Musa Abdullahi, Secretary, the groups said they found several assertions in the publication controversial and questioned what they described as the credibility of some of the narratives presented.

According to the groups:

“In the contemporary history of the Nigerian intelligence community, certain names continue to ring a bell. These include the late IGP M.D. Yusuf, Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi, Chief A.K. Horsfall, Alhaji Gambo Jimeta, General Aliyu Gusau, General Haliru Akilu, the late Rear Admiral Tunde Elegbede, Air Vice Marshal Idi Musa, Colonel A.K. Togun, Colonel Ibrahim Sabo, Colonel Isaac Nnona, Colonel J.K. Olu, Colonel C.K. Emein, the late CP Abubakar Tsav, Colonel M.I. Bawa, Major Shaibu Galma, among several others of blessed memory.

“These were thoroughly trained professionals who served Nigeria with patriotism, professionalism, integrity, and unwavering dedication to national service.”

The groups questioned what they described as Amachree’s attempt to place himself among some of Nigeria’s most prominent intelligence professionals, arguing that many former senior officers maintained strict professional ethics both during and after their years of service.

They further stated that, in their view, Amachree’s professional standing within the intelligence community did not place him in the same category as several former Directors-General and senior intelligence figures, including Peter Nwadua, Colonel Kayode Are, Major Emohe, and Afakriya Gadzama.

The groups also raised questions regarding Amachree’s account of his alleged involvement in investigations relating to claims surrounding the death of former Head of State, General Sani Abacha.

According to the statement:

“Firstly, he wrote about his role in the investigation of a woman who allegedly claimed that former Head of State, General Sani Abacha, died on top of her. As an Assistant Director posted to the Shangisha, Lagos State office of the DSS, far removed from both the Awolowo Road Annex and the Service Headquarters in Abuja, it raises legitimate questions regarding the extent of his involvement in such a nationally sensitive matter.”

The groups argued that the book did not sufficiently acknowledge the roles allegedly played by other senior intelligence officers and security agencies involved in investigations surrounding the death of a serving Head of State.

They also criticised Amachree’s comments regarding former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami.

According to the groups:

“Professor Pantami was never on the wanted list of any intelligence agency in Nigeria or elsewhere. He was equally never invited for questioning on account of his sermons or religious expressions.”

The groups contended that opposition to Pantami’s ministerial appointment was politically motivated and alleged that previous campaigns against him were intended to frustrate his emergence and growing political relevance.

They further argued that intelligence assessments are dynamic and subject to review in light of changing circumstances, citing practices in intelligence institutions across different countries.

The statement alleged that efforts to revisit issues surrounding Pantami were part of what the groups described as continuing attempts by his critics to undermine his reputation and political prospects.

According to the groups:

“Pantami’s political opponents are becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the goodwill and support he continues to enjoy as speculation grows regarding his possible participation in the 2027 Gombe State governorship election.”

The groups also accused Amachree of presenting what they described as a selective narrative in the book.

They questioned the absence of extensive discussion on issues such as the assassination of Rear Admiral Tunde Elegbede, the killing of Chief Harry Marshall, the controversy involving Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor’s aircraft during an arms procurement investigation, and the conviction of military officers linked to the diversion of arms from the Nigerian Army Ordnance Depot in Kaduna.

The groups further argued that the publication devoted significant attention to issues they considered less relevant to contemporary intelligence discourse, while paying insufficient attention to developments relating to Niger Delta militancy before and after the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

Concluding the statement, the groups described the publication as politically motivated and maintained that the references to both the late General Sani Abacha and Professor Pantami were unfair and provocative.

They also alleged that Professor Pantami remains the target of interests opposed to reforms and policies associated with his period in public office.

The groups urged Nigerians to critically assess the narratives contained in the publication and to consider what they described as the broader political context surrounding the issues raised in the book.

Solomon Semaka

In the history of Nigerian politics, loyalty is not a virtue to be assumed; it is a character forged in the fires of consistency, humility, and absolute dedication.

As the political landscape of Benue State shifts toward 2027, the toxic political ecosystem in Benue was saturated with intense speculation over whether Governor Hyacinth Alia would retain Dr. Sam Ode as his deputy for the 2027 Gubernatorial election.

Obviously, the choice of Right Honourable Sam Ode as the running mate to His Excellency, Governor Hyacinth Alia has effectively brought to a close the evil suspicions, shameless lies, envy and morbid ambitions surrounding the choice of who becomes the deputy to the Governor in 2027. The affirmation stands as a powerful testament to unwavering loyalty, and a well-deserved reward for unalloyed dedication and commitment.

In an era where political relationships are often transactional, the synergy between Governor Alia and Deputy Governor Ode proves that fidelity to a leader and a shared vision still yields the greatest dividends for governance.

The decision to retain Dr. Sam Ode is no doubt a verdict on loyalty, strategy, and trust. It closes several years of whispers, plots, and “poisonous enmity,” and opens a new chapter of heathy relationship that transcends politics.

This endorsement is, first and foremost, a moment to express profound gratitude to His Excellency, Governor Hyacinth Alia. By standing firmly with his deputy for the upcoming 2027 election, the governor has rewarded true loyalty and sent a clear message across the nation that trust and alignment in the executive chambers are sacrosanct.

As the American businessman Robert Bosch famously noted, “I would rather lose money than trust.” Governor Alia has demonstrated that a stable, unified leadership team is the ultimate foundation for the continued transformation of Benue State.

This strategic pick secures an unbreakable covenant with the people of Zone C. The entire Idoma nation and the surrounding local governments stand completely unified behind the Alia-Ode ticket. This is not just a political alignment; it is a total assurance of support from a region that recognizes when its interest is genuinely protected.

The people of Zone C pledges their total, unalloyed votes and structures to ensure a resounding victory, validating the mutual respect that defines the current administration.

Sam Ode is not a newcomer to the complex machinery of governance. His selection is rooted in decades of institutional experience, deep political wisdom, and a profound understanding of public administration.

Having served at various tiers of government, from local administration to national prominence, he possesses a rare, prudent grasp of state politics. As the philosopher Aristotle once observed, “He who cannot be a good follower cannot be a good leader.” Ode’s long-standing service to Benue State highlights his unique ability to balance administrative excellence with absolute submission to his principal’s executive vision.

In the history of Nigerian politics, the office of the deputy governor has frequently been marred by friction and unnecessary rivalry. Sam Ode breaks this mold completely, serving as the ultimate blueprint for deputy governors nationwide to emulate.

Dr. Sam Ode has masterfully balanced visibility with humility, ensuring his actions always amplify the governor’s achievements rather than overshadowing them. His conduct proves that a deputy can be highly competent, deeply influential, and entirely loyal all at the same time.

Prior to his venture into politics, Ode understands both the dynamics of power and the essence of unwavering loyalty. He gives his all to any cause he believes in without holding back, with sincerity and unshakable dedication.

Beyond his loyalty, Ode brings a wealth of invaluable attributes to the table: He seamlessly connects diverse ethnic and political factions across Benue’s distinct zones. As a grassroots champion, Ode maintains a direct, authentic heartbeat with the local communities, ensuring governance remains people-centered. His calm temperament and diplomatic acumen have quietly defused political tensions, keeping the administration focused on development.

As Benue marches confidently toward 2027, the Alia-Ode continuity represents stability, shared vision, and a prosperous future. It is a partnership built on solid rock, ready to lift the state to even greater heights.

Solomon Semaka is a public Affairs Commentator and Senior Special Assistant To The Executive Governor of Benue State on Civil Society and Strategic Engagements Office.

By Abigail David

The Federal Government has advised Nigerians seeking public sector employment to avoid common application mistakes that could reduce their chances of securing government jobs.

The guidance was published by the Federal Character Commission (FCC) in a public awareness notice on its website, urging applicants to follow official recruitment procedures and remain alert to fraudulent job offers.

According to the commission, many job seekers lose opportunities by failing to follow application guidelines, submitting inaccurate information or relying on unofficial recruitment sources.

Seven mistakes to avoid

The FCC identified the following common errors:

• Applying through unverified sources
• Paying someone to secure a government job
• Ignoring application requirements
• Missing application deadlines
• Providing incorrect or incomplete information
• Failing to prepare for aptitude tests and interviews
• Assuming every advertised vacancy is genuine

The commission warned applicants against using unofficial websites, social media posts or forwarded messages to obtain recruitment information, noting that fraudsters often create fake recruitment portals to deceive job seekers.

It also cautioned Nigerians never to pay anyone who claims they can guarantee employment in the public service, stressing that recruitment into government institutions follows established procedures.

Applicants were advised to carefully review eligibility requirements, including educational qualifications, age limits, professional certifications, work experience and all required documents before submitting their applications.

The FCC further encouraged candidates to apply well before deadlines, ensure all personal information is accurate and prepare adequately for subsequent stages of the recruitment process, such as aptitude tests and interviews.

Clarifying its role, the commission stated that it does not recruit employees into ministries, departments or agencies. Instead, it monitors compliance with the Federal Character Principle, while individual government institutions are responsible for conducting their own recruitment exercises.

The commission added that verified vacancies may be published on its recruitment platform, allowing applicants to access authentic information before applying through the relevant institution’s official recruitment channel.