By Abdullahi Tukur
The All Progressives Congress (APC), Kebbi State Chapter, 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.
The State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Alhaji Isah Abubakar Assalafi, stated this during a press conference in Birnin Kebbi while responding to Senator Maidoki’s recent press briefing.
He described allegations of political persecution as serious claims that must be established through credible evidence rather than political rhetoric, stressing that no individual or political party should be placed above legitimate investigation and due process of law.
Assalafi 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.
He maintained that 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 being established through media pronouncements.
Assalafi also cautioned Senator Maidoki against attempting to dictate to security agencies how to discharge their statutory responsibilities, stressing that the police and other security institutions must be allowed to carry out their duties professionally and within the law in the interest of public safety and order.
According to him, the government has continued to provide operational vehicles, logistics and other necessary support to security agencies to enhance their capacity to respond effectively 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.
Assalafi therefore urged the ADC and other political actors to respect the rule of law and refrain from politicising legitimate law-enforcement activities, stressing 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.