Commander counters Gov Uba Sani as he denies sending APC thugs that beat party chieftain in Abuja, over El-Rufai
*His denial only to mislead public - Dan Biliki *Says, 'No amount of attack will turn me against El-Rufai' nor deter him from speaking truth to power
By OUR REPORTER
Regarding the Kaduna State Government’s response, Commander dismissed it as an attempt to mislead the public, asserting that he had been warned of plans to humiliate him before the assault took place.
The Kaduna State Government may be in the worst time of intense confusion as it refuses to be linked with attacks on fellow chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dan Biliki Commander, in Abuja, allegedly carried out by APC thugs on Governor Uba Sani’s instruction.
The state government denied and initiated an investigation into the incident, distancing Governor Sani from any involvement while promising to uncover the truth behind the assault.
Commander’s ordeal has drawn attention to issues of political intimidation and freedom of speech within Nigeria’s political landscape, prompting calls for justice and accountability.
The DEFENDER reports that Dan Bilki Commander, a prominent figure in the APC from Kano State, has made a bold statement asserting that physical assault will not deter him from speaking truth to power neither will it turn him against El-Rufai, who he said made Governor Sani what he is today.
His remarks came during an interview with Aminiya, a Hausa publication under Daily Trust Newspapers, following a disturbing incident where he was publicly beaten and subjected to mistreatment by unidentified assailants.
The incident, which occurred in Abuja, has sparked widespread outrage and concern As reported by Daily Trust on Friday, 19 July, 2024.
In an emotional recount of the events, Commander directly implicated Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State as being behind the assault.
He vehemently rejected the Kaduna State Government’s denial of Governor Sani’s involvement, citing personal knowledge and his own experience.
According to Commander, the attack was a direct consequence of his outspoken criticism of how Governor Sani allegedly betrayed former Governor Nasiru El-Rufai.
Commander detailed the harrowing experience, describing how he was forcefully apprehended at Jabi Lifecamp, handcuffed, and subjected to physical abuse before being dropped off at Wuse II.
He recounted being coerced into denouncing his statements against Governor Sani under duress, highlighting the severity of the intimidation tactics employed.
“The assault was meant to silence me,” Commander asserted, “but I will not be silenced. I have a duty to speak out against injustice and betrayal within Northern Nigerian politics, especially when it concerns the leadership of Kaduna State.”
He further explained his close ties with former Governor El-Rufai, emphasizing the role El-Rufai played in elevating Governor Sani’s political career.
According to Commander, Governor Sani owes his current position largely to El-Rufai’s patronage, an assertion he believes Governor Sani resents due to his perceived arrogance and lack of political acumen.
Regarding the Kaduna State Government’s response, Commander dismissed it as an attempt to mislead the public, asserting that he had been warned of plans to humiliate him before the assault took place.
He expressed his intent to formally report the incident to the police, despite having first sought medical attention to address injuries sustained during the assault.
“Nigerian politics requires steadfastness and courage to uphold democratic values,” Commander proclaimed. “Even in the face of adversity and physical harm, we must continue to hold our leaders accountable for their actions.”
In conclusion, Commander reaffirmed his commitment to principles he learned from his association with NEPU and PRP, under the mentorship of leaders like Abubakar Rimi.
He highlighted his personal sacrifices in the past to hold leaders accountable, emphasizing that criticism of government actions is essential for transparency and good governance.
The Kaduna State Government has initiated an investigation into the incident, distancing Governor Sani from any involvement while promising to uncover the truth behind the assault.
Commander’s ordeal has drawn attention to issues of political intimidation and freedom of speech within Nigeria’s political landscape, prompting calls for justice and accountability.
