Sani Haruna
The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Kebbi State has dismissed allegations by Senator Garba Musa Maidoki of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, that the arrest, detention and prosecution of some ADC members and supporters were politically motivated.
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The APC State Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Isah Abubakar Assalafi, stated this during a press conference in Birnin Kebbi while responding to Senator Maidoki’s recent briefing.
He described the allegations of political persecution as serious claims that should be supported with credible evidence rather than political rhetoric.
Assalafi stressed that no individual or political party should be placed above legitimate investigation and the law.
He challenged the ADC to provide evidence linking the Kebbi State Government to the alleged unlawful arrests, particularly any directive instructing security agencies to target individuals because of their political affiliation.
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The APC spokesman said where there is evidence of police misconduct, abuse of power or political interference, such evidence should be submitted to the appropriate authorities for investigation rather than established through media pronouncements.
Assalafi also cautioned Senator Maidoki against attempting to dictate to security agencies how to discharge their statutory responsibilities.
He said the police and other security institutions should be allowed to carry out their duties professionally and within the law in the interest of public safety and order.
According to him, the Kebbi State Government has continued to provide operational vehicles, logistics and other necessary support to security agencies to enhance their capacity to respond to security challenges, particularly in vulnerable communities and farming areas.
He stressed that the administration remains committed to strengthening the state’s security architecture and supporting lawful measures aimed at maintaining peace, protecting citizens and preventing criminal activities.
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Assalafi urged the ADC and other political actors to respect the rule of law and refrain from politicising legitimate law-enforcement activities.
He maintained that the APC would neither support the persecution of any citizen on political grounds nor tolerate the use of political affiliation as a shield against lawful investigation or prosecution.