The youth wing of northern political think-tank, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has faulted President Muhammadu Buhari over the continued siege on the Abuja home of former National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd), by the officials of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Speaking with newsmen in Kaduna, weekend, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, the national president of the youth wing of ACF, described the DSS action as unfortunate and callous.
Shettima threatened to mobilise Nigerians against what he tagged President Muhammadu Buhari’s dictatorial tendency, if not quickly checked.
The ACF youth leader called on the Federal Government to respect the ruling of a Federal High Court on the matter and immediately ask the operatives of the DSS to vacate the former NSA’s home.
He said, “We are saddened by the handling of the case of the former NSA because so many gaps can be seen in all the attempts to justify why such a high profile Nigerian should be treated the way he has been treated by this country. This is the first time an intelligence service official would be so treated.
“Indeed, a recent court order granted the man the permit to go for medical attention, only for the DSS to overrule it. “There is no convincing justification why the DSS should ignore an order granted by a court of competent jurisdiction.
“On no account should the former NSA’s right as protected by a court in the land be trampled upon. This is taking us back to the dark days of military dictatorship and it is unfortunate.
“It is sad that the DSS offered explanation to its actions against Dasuki only when public outcry became louder.
“This Gestapo style is unacceptable under a democratic atmosphere. We view the action of the DSS with shock and surprise, considering the fact that rule of law is a pillar of any meaningful change. It will be suicidal to allow Nigeria to drift into a one-party state.
“Much as President Buhari in particular and the administration in general, would want to sanction anyone for any wrongdoing, it should be seen to doing so in a civilised manner, free of any tendency towards partisanship.
“Even if it is a coincidence, the continuous arrest of people from one and the same political party is a bad coincidence that creates a wrong impression,” he said.
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