Senate President Bukola Saraki
says the invasion of the Abuja residence of Dino Melaye, senator representing
Kogi west, by some police officers could be an attempt to block him from the
2019 polls.
On Friday, the police stormed the
residence of Melaye, who is seeking reelection, saying they wanted to arrest
for culpable homicide.
But reacting through Yusuph
Olaniyonu, his spokesman, Saraki condemned the action of the police, describing
Ibrahim Idris, the inspector-general of police, as the worst head of the force
in history.
“The general belief is that this
is aimed at keeping Melaye out of circulation so that he would not participate
in the general election in February,” he said.
“The manner of invasion on his
house is highly suspicious. This same man has been charged with sundry and
needless allegations and he has attended the various court sessions. He is also
a candidate in the coming elections and therefore have no reason to run away
from the country.
“He was also present in the
senate for plenary, committee meetings and oversight functions till the Senate
went on recess on December 20, 2018. Though the police in their statement claim
that there was a request to the clerk of the national assembly (CNA) inviting
Senator Melaye to report to the police, my enquiry from the CNA showed that he
had no such letter.
“If there was an offence
allegedly committed in July and the police waited till now, we do not see the
urgency in the need to arrest him about six weeks to the election in which he
is a candidate. He could have been invited to report to the police on Monday.
“This desperation to haul him in
is beyond normal. This same IGP who refused to honour the invitation of the
senate for him to give information on the security situation in the country and
rushed to the court to seek protection of his rights is now violating the
rights of other people. In the same manner, a senate resolution to the effect
that his security personnel that were withdrawn should be reinstated has not
been obeyed.
“This method of digging out some
old charges and allegations to arrest and incarcerate political opponents has
presented this current Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Kpotum Idris,
as the most partisan head of the Nigerian police ever in the history of this
country. We have continued to call on the security agencies to steer clear of
partisanship and be professional in their activities.”
Melaye has promised to make
himself available to the police this week.
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