A civil group, Peoples Alliance for Indigenous Rights, PAIR, has warned other groups and politicians against stalling the work of security agencies especially the Department of State Services, DSS, stressing that nobody was above investigation and arrest.
The caution is coming on the heels of a near-daily briefing by groups suspected to be aligned to the embattled Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele.
The DSS had approached the Federal High Court Abuja to arrest and detain Mr. Emefiele, governor over terrorism related charges but was denied the ex parte by Justice J.T. Tsoho, the chief judge.
Since the matter came to light, even the Atiku-Okowa presidential campaign council had joined the fray, a situation the PAIR described as interesting and strange.
Öne will imagine that an appointee of the federal government under investigation should be applauded by all and sundry. But to find groups and even the PDP kicking against government’s effort to safeguard the nation speaks volume and confirms the rumoured backhand dealings of the purchase of the PDP vice presidential ticket by the subject under scrutiny for his kinsman,” the statement alleged.
In a statement signed by Comrade Chinedu Chukwudi, national coordinator of the PAIR in Abuja on Wednesday, the group warned against making some people untouchable and above the law.
“We must reiterate that nobody is above the law. The idea being canvassed in some quarters that Mr. Emefiele is above the law is dangerous and sends a wrong signal that some persons are untouchable however grave the issues they are being investigated for are.
“In this country, we have seen important personalities; politicians, former governors, clerics, activists and very senior government officials invited, arrested and questioned and the heavens did not fall.
“We wonder why the various pro-Emefiele groups and individuals cannot exercise patience until the kernel of his imminent arrest is brought to light. To even think that he has continued to dodge summons by the National Assembly should worry every lover of constitutional order and rule of law.
“We have seen the positives of such past investigations and arrests. At present, the Accountant General of the Federation is returning several billions and the heavens have not fallen. Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina, who was like an untouchable, is serving prison term. Abba Kyari that remains one of the most decorated officers of the police and recognised by the Senate, is in Kuje prisons as his trial continues.
“In the light of these and more, the PAIR urges the DSS not to be distracted by the antics of these sponsored groups and ensure that it does not back down from its constitutional role of safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria and her citizens from suspected criminal elements and economic saboteurs, however, highly placed they are,” the statement read.