Date: 2013-09-08

Yesterday, the Inspector General of police directed the immediate withdrawal of security personnel detailed to the former Governor of Kwara State and current Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Distinguished Senator Bukola Saraki (CON). The security personnel withdrawn are from the Senator’s residences in Abuja and Ilorin.

The inspector, who carried out the exercise, when confronted, disclosed that it was an order from above.

It should be noted that the withdrawn security men are legal rights as prescribed by virtue of Kwara State Pension Law of 2010, Third Schedule, Section 2 (3) paragraph H. The Security details attached to Senator Saraki are therefore  formally processed, approved and dispatched to his residences not out of favour or luxury demands.

In view of this new development, it is evidently clear to us that this cannot be unconnected with the recent political activities going on in the country. No doubt, recent events in the nation have been taking strange and tragic dimensions but we have to look beyond our individual interests and let the weight of making Nigeria great dominate our minds as leaders and citizens as Nigeria is bigger than an individual.

In view of the above position of the law, the Nigerian police have  contravened the law and disregarded same. We view this action as an act of harassment and intimidation to the person of Senator Saraki and we shall not hesitate to seek legal redress against  this arbitrary decision.

We wish to state that the recent move by the Nigerian police authorities will definitely endanger the life of Senator Bukola Saraki. We hereby call on good citizens of Nigeria to hold the Federal Government responsible for any eventuality considering the fact that there are illegal arms going round the country without being properly checked.

Finally, Senator Saraki wishes to re affirm his commitment and readiness to uphold the virtue of democracy, good governance, rule of law, equity and justice even in the face of this present intimidation and harassment as those are part of the sacrifices we must all make for a better Nigeria we will all be proud of.

Signed,
Bamikole Omishore