Saraki Alleges Threat to Life, Accuses FG

Senator Bukola Saraki

Former Kwara State Governor, Senator Bukola Saraki,  Sunday decried the withdrawal of his security detail and asked Nigerians to hold the federal government responsible should any harm befall him.

Saraki, who described the act as one of intimidation and harassment as a result of his backing of the breakaway faction from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), threatened to seek legal redress in the court.

A statement by his media aide, Bankole Omisore, said the attachment of security detail to him was his legitimate right and therefore could not have been withdrawn as a result of political differences.

The statement read: “Yesterday (Saturday), the Inspector General of Police directed the immediate withdrawal of security personnel detailed to the former Governor of Kwara State and current Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bukola Saraki (CON).

“The security personnel withdrawn are from the senator’s residences in Abuja and Ilorin.

“The inspector who carried out the exercise, when confronted, disclosed that it was an order from above. It should be noted that the withdrawn security men are legal rights as prescribed by virtue of Kwara State Pension Law of 2010, Third Schedule, Section 2 (3) Paragraph H.

“The security detail attached to Senator Saraki are therefore formally processed, approved and dispatched to his residences not out of favour or luxury demands.

“In view of this new development, it is evidently clear to us that this cannot be unconnected with the recent political activities going on in the country. No doubt, recent events in the nation have been taking strange and tragic dimensions but we have to look beyond our individual interests and let the weight of making Nigeria great dominate our minds as leaders and citizens as Nigeria is bigger than an individual.

“In view of the above position of the law, the Nigerian Police have contravened the law and disregarded same. We view this action as an act of harassment and intimidation to the person of Senator Saraki and we shall not hesitate to seek legal redress against this arbitrary decision.