The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), has spoken out against the continued siege on the Abuja residence of former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki by the Department of State Security (DSS).
It would be recalled that a Federal High Court had twice ordered the DSS to leave Dasuki’s residence and allow him travel abroad for medical treatment.
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Speaking to journalists in Kaduna over the weekend, National President of the AYCF, Yerima Shettima said the actions of DSS was nothing short of impunity in the part of the Federal Government, threatening to mobilise Nigerians against President Muhammadu Buhari’s dictatorial tendencies.
Shettima said: “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.”
In a related development, a women political pressure group in Sokoto State, the Association of Sokoto State Women in Politics (SSAWP) has vowed to drag the Federal Government and the DSS to court over the matter.
National coordinator of SSAWP, Kulu Abdullahi Rabah who spoke in Sokoto said: “This action of the DSS has shown that President Muhammadu Buhari’s fight against injustice is selective and DSS are becoming tool of intimidation against those who are believed to be in opposition or perceived enemies of the current government without respect of law of the land.
“For every and any mistake made by the DSS, President Buhari should be held responsible and must account for this before the Almighty Allah, as he promised to protect every citizen of this country without political affiliation, affection or ill-will.”
