Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki has lashed out at the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, accusing him of playing partisan politics with his position.
Saraki’s accusations come on the heels of the continued police invasion of a residence belonging to Senator Melaye, the lawmaker representing Kogi West Senatorial District.
Melaye had in a series of tweets on Friday raised an alarm that his residence was under siege.
The police on arrival barred individuals from going near the building, claiming that the Senator barricaded himself in an area of his residence in a bid to prevent his arrest.
Reacting to the ongoing siege on Melaye’s house, Saraki said the process is another instance of police being used to suppress the rights of the citizenry.
He said the siege is another ploy at silencing people with opposing views to the current administration.
“The general belief now is that the Police action against Senator @dino_melaye is aimed at keeping him out of circulation so that he would not participate in the general elections in February 2019,” Saraki said.
Saraki, in a series of tweets via his handle, aired his views about the police operation at Melaye’s residence, arguing that the police action does not follow due course.
Below are his tweets:
The manner of invasion on Senator Melaye’s house is highly suspicious. This same man has been charged with sundry and needless allegations and he has attended the various court sessions.
— Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) December 29, 2018
Senator @dino_melaye is also a candidate in the upcoming elections and therefore has no reason to flee from the country.
— Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) December 29, 2018
Senator @dino_melaye has been present in the Senate for plenary, committee meetings and oversight functions till the Senate went on recess on December 20, 2018…
— Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) December 29, 2018
Though the police in their statement claim that there was a request to the Clerk of the National Assembly (CNA) inviting Senator Melaye to report to the police, my enquiry from the CNA showed that he had no such letter.
— Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) December 29, 2018
This desperation to haul Senator Melaye in is beyond normal. This same IGP who refused to honour the Senate invitation to give information on the security situation in the country and rushed to court to seek protection of his rights is now violating the rights of other people.
— Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) December 29, 2018
It has not gone without notice that Senator Melaye is a member of the opposition. We cannot remember any member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) being treated in this manner.
— Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) December 29, 2018
Even the APC Member who allegedly led thugs to forcefully seize the mace while the Senate was in session — in the full glare of television cameras, is still roaming the streets free without prosecution.
— Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) December 29, 2018
This method of digging out some old charges and allegations to arrest and incarcerate political opponents has presented this current Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Kpotum Idris, as the most partisan head of the Nigerian Police ever in the history of this country.
— Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) December 29, 2018
We have continued to call on the security agencies to steer clear of partisanship and be professional in their activities.
— Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) December 29, 2018
This is not a Banana Republic. Nobody is saying the police should not do their work in the prevention of crime and enforcement of laws. However, creating trumped up charges to implicate those who have contrary views to the administration and is highly unacceptable.
— Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) December 29, 2018
It is not because Senator Melaye is the victim this time around. This should not happen to ANY Nigerian.
— Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) December 29, 2018
It is not because Senator Melaye is the victim this time around. This should not happen to ANY Nigerian.
— Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) December 29, 2018
Operatives of the Nigerian Police for the second day have continued to keep watch at the home of the senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, in Abuja.
The police on Friday vowed to remain at the premises until they arrest the Senator, who they believe had locked himself in a part of the house with the intention of evading arrest.
The police spokesman, Jimoh Moshood, had explained in a statement that Senator Melaye is wanted to answer to the case of attempted culpable homicide in the shooting of a police officer, Sgt Danjuma Saliu, while on duty allegedly by Senator Melaye and armed thugs in Kogi State on July 19, 2018.
According to the police, the offence for which Senator Melaye is being investigated is capital in nature.
Melaye has promised to make himself available to the police next week.
The lawmaker representing Kogi West constituency, in a phone interview with Channels Television on Friday, said he is not a criminal and has no reason to run from the police.
He explained that the police invasion of his residence was unnecessary and that he will report himself to the police as soon as he returns to Abuja.
“I was informed that my house has been invaded. Over 40 policemen inside the compound and over 50 outside the gate. My staff were molested, beaten and handcuffed and taken away.
“Presently I’m outside Abuja. I’m a Senator of the Federal Republic of Abuja, I cannot run away. I will make myself available as soon as I’m back to town next week. I am not a criminal, I have not done anything wrong,” he said.
Melaye also accused the police of disobeying court order to release his international passport to him. According to him, a court order has said that his passport should be released by the police.
