GRPolitics

Why Police summoned Saraki, others over protest

Published

6 years ago

October 6, 2018

grassroots

The police have summoned the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Senator Dino Melaye and Senator Ben Bruce to appear for investigation for “disturbing public peace and violently hitting policemen to forcefully enter the Force Headquarters, Abuja.”

The invitation came a few hours after Saraki led notable national leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party in a protest to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission on Friday, calling on the commission to declare Ademola Adeleke winner of the Osun State governorship election.

They also protested at the police headquarters, Abuja

The Nigeria Police Force spokesman, Jimoh Moshood, in a statement said the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, had directed an investigation into the “unprovoked and unwarranted attack on the personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.”

It said that the lawmakers led miscreants to assault policemen and damage properties, asking the senators to report to the IGP Monitoring Unit at the Force Headquarters on Monday for investigation.

According to the police, Saraki, Melaye and Bruce were captured on camera causing public disturbance and obstructing traffic on Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja, for hours.

The statement read in part, “Senator Bukola Saraki, Senator Dino Melaye and Senator Ben Bruce were captured on camera disturbing public peace and public safety and causing innocent people to scamper for safety.

“They were also involved in a violent attack on policemen at the Force Headquarters, pushing and hitting them in an attempt to forcefully enter the Force headquarters to cause damage to equipment and government properties.

“They are hereby invited to report themselves to the IGP Monitoring Unit at the Force Headquarters on Monday, 8th October, 2018 for investigation.”

Police tear-gas Saraki, Secondus, Tambuwal, Lamido, Kwakwanso, others

During the protest, notable national leaders of the PDP were tear-gassed by the police during their protest over what they called the crooked way INEC and the police had been rigging elections in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress in the country.

Those who were tear-gassed were Saraki; the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal; the PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus; and the Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo.

Others who had a raw deal in the hands of the police were the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose; his Taraba State counterpart, Darius Ishaku; a former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido; Melaye; Ben Murray-Bruce; and presidential aspirants, Danti Baba Ahmed and Tanimu Turaki.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, however, escaped being tear-gassed as he didn’t follow the protesters to the Police Force Headquarters, where the men were tear-gassed.

Dogara left shortly after the team visited the INEC headquarters at Maitama, Abuja.

Secondus and his team were complaining about the outcome of the recently held Osun State governorship election, which they believed was won by the PDP candidate, Adeleke, but was allegedly rigged in favour of the APC candidate, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola.

The protesters had stormed the police headquarters, Louis Edet House, but were prevented by the police from entering into the premises.

Aside from firing tear gas, the police also fired gunshots into the air to disperse the protesters who scampered for safety in different directions, with some people sustaining injuries.

Some of the protesters, as well as journalists who were affected by the tear gas, were revived with water.

Initially, Melaye who was at the forefront of the protest led by Saraki, Secondus, Tambuwal, Lamido and others, tried to defy the police onslaught against them, but eventually ran for safety when the fume of the tear gas became unbearable to them.

Earlier at the INEC headquarters, the PDP protesters had called on the commission to desist from having further inconclusive elections and to also be fair and firm in its conduct, urging it to stop working for the APC.

They said Nigerians would not take anything less than free, fair and credible elections in 2019.

At the INEC office, Secondus said, “You are pushing Nigerians to the wall and when you push them to the wall, there will be resistance. We hope we will not get there, but this will serve as a notice.

“Nigerians have left you. You cannot change the will of the people by force, take note and stop directing the security agencies and INEC to rig elections. You must come out clean. What we expect from you is to conduct free and fair elections.”

Also speaking, Saraki said, “We are here representing millions of Nigerians to speak to you, INEC, that you have a responsibility by law, by the constitution, to do what is right for all Nigerians.

“Enough is enough of elections that are not credible. Enough is enough of impunity. Enough is enough of harassment. INEC, you met a standard, don’t take us back.

“Nigeria has raised the standard of electoral processes, take us forward, don’t take us backward. The last two elections have been said all over villages, towns, Africa and other continents that it was a sham. INEC, enough is enough.

“Just last night, the Senate and Congress in the United States issued a statement saying enough is enough. We must have credible elections in Nigeria.

Also, Fayose said the result of the governorship election in Osun State had shown the APC was being rejected by Nigerians.

He said, “We want to let INEC know a few things and remind them that the damage done to this country is enough. The damage done to our democracy and, by extension, the common man is enough.

“If the people cannot choose their leader anymore, then we are in trouble. In 2014, the APC won the governorship election in Osun State by 114,000 votes.

“But this last election, with all the rigging, the APC won by 400 votes, that is a statement enough to say that the APC is no more in demand in Nigeria.

“We are not asking for favours, this country and this INEC belong to Nigerians and Nigerians must be respected by allowing them to make a choice.

“If (former President Goodluck) Jonathan had behaved this way, we would not have a Buhari in power. We have a Buhari in power because somebody thought the rights of Nigerians must not be trampled upon by INEC and everybody received the present administration with open arms.

Tambuwal said he expected the INEC chairman to be above board in his handling of the affairs of the commission.

We’re professionals, not politicians –INEC

Responding to their demands, the INEC National Commissioner on Legal Matters, May Agbamuche-Mbu, said the commission would take the protest seriously.

He also said the commission would do its best in 2019.

Agbamuche-Mbu said, “I want to thank you and inform you all that Prof. Mahmood Yakubu would have received you all. The commission takes this demonstration very seriously. We are happy the protest is peaceful and carried out in a civilised manner.

“INEC is up to this job, we are all here in INEC as professionals and not politicians. We are going to do our best come 2019.

“I must say we are a team and decisions are made by the commission and not by any individual. All your comments have been noted and they will be passed to the chairman and the entire commission.”

Meanwhile, notable presidential aspirants of the PDP absent at the protest were former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Ahmed Makarfi, David Mark, Jonah Jang and Attahiru Bafarawa.

Nobody can cow us –INEC

Meanwhile, the PDP has reacted to what it called the police brutality against its leaders.

It described it as “dastardly, unwarranted and unprovoked,” adding the “unleashing of violence on our leaders, including the Senate President and state governors, by the police was condemnable.”

The PDP, however, vowed that no amount of attacks, aggression or acts of intimidation would deter it from confronting and dismantling the rigging machinery of the APC and coast to victory in 2019.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, said in a statement, “The whole world was shocked when the police assaulted, fired tear gas and violently dispersed our party leaders who were on a peaceful protest at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, over the use of police by the APC to rig elections, particularly the September 22, 2018 Osun State governorship election.

“Acting on ‘orders from above,’ the police assaulted our elected leaders, including our national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus; Senate President Bukola Saraki; Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose; our presidential aspirants, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, Kabiru Tanimu, Mallam Sule Lamido, among others.

“This unwarranted attack has left no one in doubt that our police have finally been turned into a militant wing of the APC, with direct orders to use force to repress opposition and turn our nation into a one-party state.

“It has also shown that the police, under President Muhammadu Buhari, has officially declared war on the opposition and there is no way our safety is guaranteed under the current police leadership.

“If the police, which ought to protect the people, the law and the democratic process, could show such violent aggression on notable leaders, then it can no longer be trusted with the welfare and safety of regular citizens.

Ologbondiyan called on Nigerians and the international community to “rise up in direct condemnation of the APC’s use of state apparatus of power against law-abiding citizens and groups.”

GRPolitics

With Commitment, Resilience We’ll Defeat Banditry and Terrorism – Badaru

…it is time to end it…Reports SANDRA ANI

Published

5 days ago

November 19, 2024

grassroots

The Honourable Minister of Defence H.E Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has called on the Nigerian Airforce to intensify the use of their various platforms to bring an end to banditry and terrorism.

According to the Minister, you are key to this this fight and we must put our acts together on your active component to end this war.

In a statement signed by Henshaw Ogubike, director information and Public Relations, Badaru said this during his operational visit to the Air Component Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA at Katsina state on Monday 18th November 2024.

The Honourable Minister appreciated the heroic Air warriors who has continued to shine as beacons of hope, courage and resilience which is an inspiration to Nigerian people.

Furthermore, “the Minister opined that their efforts are yielding positive results as farmers are gradually returning to their farms, schools are reopening, businesses are picking up and Nigerians can now sleep peacefully.”

According to the Minister, the President and commander in chief of the Armed forces Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has expressed confidence on their unwavering loyalty, perseverance and professionalism. He recognizes the personal sacrifices you make every day to keep our country together.

It is pertinent to know that the President has provided the Nigerian Airforce with state of the art Aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles to enhance their attack capabilities. With the induction of these new platforms including the T129 Attack Helicopter, ” I am confident we will make Mr President and Nigerians proud.”

Consequent to this, ‘it is no coincidence that I am here today to flag off this critical phase of the Operations’. “I therefore urge you to synergize with the ground forces and other stakeholders to ensure maximum effect from these combat enablers” Badaru said.

The Honourable Minister of Defence H.E Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON mni continued his operational visit by also going to sokoto to inspect the combat readiness of the platforms and also toured the new site where the permanent base of the newly established Airforce component of military operations against banditry and terrorism and facilities will be built at Sokoto Airport.

In his remarks, the chief of the Air staff , Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, appreciated the Minister’s servant leadership style which is an inspiration to all. For him , the T129 Attack Helicopters will transform our operational capabilities to those who think they can destabilize our nation.

GRPolitics

Jigawa Youth Agenda Refutes Allegations Against Badaru

By, Al-Amin Aliu, a Public Analyst

Published

1 week ago

November 16, 2024

grassroots

Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar

The Jigawa Youth Agenda has vehemently denied the unfounded allegations made by a mysterious group claiming to represent APC youth in Jigawa State against Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar.

After thorough investigations, it was revealed that this group is not officially registered with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jigawa and seems to have been hastily formed to spread misinformation and disrupt party unity.

The Youth Agenda are in solidarity with Minister Badaru Abubakar as they reaffirmed its unwavering support for Minister Badaru Abubakar, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to the APC and Nigeria. His leadership and commitment are indisputable, from his transformative tenure as Governor of Jigawa State to his current role as Minister of Defence.

The them, Minister Badaru has done excellently well and the highlighted his key schievements to include but not limited to the following:

– Strengthening National Security: Minister Badaru Abubakar has enhanced Nigeria’s military capabilities, ensuring protection of lives and property.

– Forging Strategic Partnerships: He has fostered vital alliances with global defence organizations to bolster Nigeria’s security and modernize defence infrastructure.

– Promoting Youth Empowerment: The Minister has launched initiatives focused on education, employment, and entrepreneurship in Jigawa State.

– Advancing APC Unity: Minister Badaru Abubakar promotes unity within the party, fostering collaboration across Jigawa and nationally.

The so-called APC Youth Group’s allegations are an attempt to create division within the united APC family. The Jigawa Youth Agenda urges APC members and the public to disregard these unfounded claims and focus on strengthening party unity and ideals.

Minister Badaru Abubakar’s legacy remains a source of pride for Jigawa State and Nigeria. His dedication to national development, APC principles, and the Tinubu administration demonstrates his integrity and effectiveness. The Jigawa Youth Agenda urges Nigerians to recognize his achievements and support his efforts to build a stronger, more secure nation.

The Jigawa Youth Agenda reaffirms its full confidence in Minister Badaru Abubakar’s ability to lead and contribute positively to Nigeria’s development. Together, let us reject misinformation and uphold APC unity and progress at state and national levels.

GRPolitics

Unmasking the Campaign of Calumny against Dr Bello Matawalle

Writer: Habib Usman, writes from Abuja

Published

2 weeks ago

November 13, 2024

grassroots

Recent protests and allegations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, have stirred controversy.

Organized demonstrations outside the Department of State Security (DSS) headquarters in Abuja, filled with hired crowds by APC AKIDA sponsored by Tijjani Ramallan and the Zamfara state government with unsubstantiated accusations, reveal a calculated attempt by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal to discredit Dr. Matawalle.

This orchestrated campaign, fueled by political motives and a desire to undermine Matawalle’s position, demands closer scrutiny.

Reports indicate that these so-called protests are not spontaneous outcries from Zamfara’s citizens but rather an agenda-driven spectacle designed to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation.

According to sources, the protestors arrived in approximately 12 long buses, clearly organized and funded to create an image of discontent aimed at the minister.

The protestors, reportedly waving placards accusing Matawalle of colluding with criminals, are part of a broader strategy to mislead the public and manipulate the narrative around Zamfara’s complex security situation.

This orchestrated misinformation aligns with the ongoing media offensive spearheaded by Governor Lawal who has now recruited Tijjani Ramallan and his cohorts. Despite lacking concrete evidence, the governor has been on a persistent media campaign, linking Matawalle with criminal elements and falsely alleging his complicity in the state’s banditry crisis.

However, these accusations have repeatedly failed to withstand scrutiny, as underscored by a recent ruling from the Kano High Court.

The court issued an interim injunction barring Governor Lawal and his associates from continuing their smear campaign against Matawalle, stating that any further defamatory actions would be illegal until a substantive hearing on the matter.

The court order highlights the groundlessness of the governor’s claims and serves as a reminder that accusations against public officials must be substantiated by evidence, not driven by political vendettas.

By pursuing a smear campaign against a fellow public servant, Governor Lawal risks destabilizing not only his state but also the critical national security efforts in which Matawalle is involved.

Such actions could divert attention and resources from urgent security issues, ultimately harming the very citizens the governor purports to defend.

The governor’s tactic of repeatedly visiting media houses to disseminate misleading information about Dr. Matawalle has sparked concern among political observers and security experts alike.

His attempts to block Matawalle’s reappointment appear to be rooted more in political rivalry than in any genuine concerns about Zamfara’s security. It’s no coincidence that this intensified campaign began just as discussions about a potential cabinet reshuffle surfaced.

Dr. Matawalle’s growing influence, coupled with his steadfast loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has evidently made him a target for those who feel threatened by his rise.

For Nigerians, it is crucial to separate truth from politically motivated propaganda. The allegations against Dr. Matawalle are part of a coordinated campaign to undermine a dedicated public servant who has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s defence apparatus.

As the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle plays an essential role in shaping security policy, a responsibility he takes seriously and executes with distinction.

The public is advised to view the recent protests and media blitz with caution. It is imperative to consider the context: Governor Lawal’s relentless pursuit to discredit Matawalle, despite the court’s injunction against these defamatory efforts. Rather than yield to such divisive tactics, Nigerians should remain vigilant, prioritizing the integrity of national discourse over political maneuvering.

In conclusion, let us reject efforts to smear individuals serving in crucial roles, particularly when these efforts lack factual foundation and threaten to undermine national security. The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, deserves due process and an unbiased evaluation, free from political interference.nmasking the Campaign of Calumny Against Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle

Recent protests and allegations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, have stirred controversy. Organized demonstrations outside the Department of State Security (DSS) headquarters in Abuja, filled with hired crowds and unsubstantiated accusations, reveal a calculated attempt by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal to discredit Dr. Matawalle. This orchestrated campaign, fueled by political motives and a desire to undermine Matawalle’s position, demands closer scrutiny.

Reports indicate that these so-called protests are not spontaneous outcries from Zamfara’s citizens but rather an agenda-driven spectacle designed to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation. According to sources, the protestors arrived in approximately 12 long buses, clearly organized and funded to create an image of discontent aimed at the minister. The protestors, reportedly waving placards accusing Matawalle of colluding with criminals, are part of a broader strategy to mislead the public and manipulate the narrative around Zamfara’s complex security situation.

This orchestrated misinformation aligns with the ongoing media offensive spearheaded by Governor Lawal.

Despite lacking concrete evidence, the governor has been on a persistent media campaign, linking Matawalle with criminal elements and falsely alleging his complicity in the state’s banditry crisis.

However, these accusations have repeatedly failed to withstand scrutiny, as underscored by a recent ruling from the Kano High Court.

By pursuing a smear campaign against a fellow public servant, Governor Lawal risks destabilizing not only his state but also the critical national security efforts in which Matawalle is involved.

Such actions could divert attention and resources from urgent security issues, ultimately harming the very citizens the governor purports to defend.

The governor’s tactic of repeatedly visiting media houses to disseminate misleading information about Dr. Matawalle has sparked concern among political observers and security experts alike.

Dr. Matawalle’s growing influence, coupled with his steadfast loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has evidently made him a target for those who feel threatened by his rise.

As the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle plays an essential role in shaping security policy, a responsibility he takes seriously and executes with distinction.