By IBRAHIM KANOMA, Gusau
The Zamfara State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned, “in totality”, invasion and vandalisation of Gusau and Maradun private residences of the immediate past Governor of the state, Hon. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, by the operatives of Zamfara State Police Command and Department of State Services (DSS).
The APC said that the unlawful invasion is a gross violation of the sacred provisions of Sections 34, 35, 37, 41, 42 and 43 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In a statement by the party, signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris, the APC wondered what could have warranted the invasion.
“What exactly might have warranted the invasion still remains a mystery to the good people of Zamfara state. If the government thinks it has any case against the former Governor why not charge him to court instead of resorting to such barbaric and uncivilized means?” It asked.
It called on the police and the DSS to, as a matter of urgency, take a decisive stand against this misadventure by Zamfara State Government by identifying perpetrators of the invasion and making them to face the dire consequences of their action.
The statement further said that the action, which was said to have been directed by Governor Dauda Lawal, “is archaic, barbaric, brutal, unacceptable and an illegal trespass on the former governor’s property in Gusau and his home town Maradun”.
It said, “There is no law in the country that gave the police, the DSS or any other security outfit the right to, without notice nor warrant, invade on any citizen’s property.
“Similarly, no governor of a state under whatever guise, reason, or purpose has the right to, without notice invade on other people’s property.
“The police and the DSS in Zamfara acted in error and can be accused of being political in their actions, which we want an immediate arrest and prosecution of the The statement added.
“The APC call on the Inspector General of Police to direct for an immediate investigation and prosecution of those who carried out the illegal act of breaking into the two residences of Zamfara State APC leader and former Governor Bello Matawalle.
“Currently, the Police have barricaded roads to his Gusau residence and police have been stationed in all the residences.
“We also call on the Inspector General of Police to direct the immediate arrest of the stationed police officers and verify why they were deployed.
“The former governor has several times said he has nothing to hide anywhere, but legal means must be deployed before carrying out any action against him or his property.
“We urge the police and all sister security agencies and their agents to trade political grounds with caution as we cannot condone such action, especially in our dear state, which has deteriorating security challenges,” APC said in the Yusuf Idris’ statement.
It will be recalled that over 40 cars including three bulletproof and four SUV cars were recovered from the homes of the governor in Gusau and Maradun during the operation.
