Former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai
The
State Security Service has invited a former Minister of the Federal
Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, to appear at its
headquarters in Abuja on Friday (today) over a statement attributed to
him in the Thursday edition of a national daily newspaper (not The PUNCH).
El-Rufai, who is also the Deputy
National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, was said to have
been invited to clarify the statement in which he allegedly said that
“the next election are likely to be violent and that many people are
likely going to die.”
He was also quoted as having said that “the only alternative left to get power is to take it by force.”
His Media Adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye,
told our correspondent through a text message on Thursday, that
El-Rufai was willing to meet the SSS in his home or office or in
the alternative, the agency should produce a warrant of arrest.
Adekeye said, “El-Rufai called the
Director-General of SSS and told him that he had a pending suit against
the service over the Anambra State governorship election, as such he
would not go to the SSS office.”
Before the invitation of El-Rufai was
made known to our correspondent, the SSS had warned that it would
deal with politicians and other individuals making threatening and
provocative statements ahead of the 2015 elections.
It reminded such politicians that it had
the constitutional mandate along with other security agencies, to
protect the country and its citizens.
The SSS, in a statement by its
Deputy Director, Public Relations, Marilyn Ogar, on Thursday, called
on Nigerians to remain law-abiding and assist security agencies in
ensuring a safe society.
The statement reads, “The attention of
the Department of State Services has been drawn to incessant provocative
statements by some Nigerians threatening violence ahead of the 2015
general elections. Such comments are offensive, misguided, and directed
at stirring hate amongst Nigerians.
“We therefore warn all subversive
elements that are bent on promoting divisive and disruptive agenda to
desist from such, as the full weight of the law shall henceforth be
brought to bear accordingly.”
PUNCH
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