Group defends Col. Suleiman on his role in Kogi guber election

The Concerned Nigeria Group has come out to defend the role former Kogi State governorship aspirant, Col. A. U. Suleiman Rtd, played in the recent state gubernatorial election.

The group in a release by its spokesperson, Olayinka Dada, debunked a statement issued by the Department of State Security Services, where the service referred to Suleiman as suspected member of a criminal gang, saying the statement is a misrepresentation of who the retired military officer is and represents.

The group described Suleiman as a renowned officer who served the military meritoriously and retired without blemish.

Dada said: “He served the military for 30 years in various capacities and retired in December 2005. He was one time adjutant to Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, former Military Head of State in Lebanon on peacekeeping efforts.

“After retirement from active military service, he ventured into politics and community service where he also distinguished himself without bitterness to anyone. He contested for the governorship of Kogi State in 2007 under the platform of Movement for the Restoration of Democracy and Development.

“Ever since, he has been in active service of his people and nation.
We aver that Suleiman is a responsible family man, foremost community leader and compassionate politician whose love for the people is above self pursuits.

“He was the founder of the Babanawa FC, a football club that has been in existence for more than three decades. His love for sports and youth developments made many youths his natural admirers. Aside sports, he is involved in many charitable endeavours, including assisting widows in small scale businesses, encouraging youths in pursuing careers in education and military where he served. How come such a giant is now described in unprintable terms? Just because of politics?”

According to Concerned Nigeria Group, since the schedule of the gubernatorial election in Kogi State was released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the grand plot by some individuals in Kogi State has been to keep every dissenting voice out of circulation against their selfish pursuit of power.

Noting that the retired colonel is known for his independent, dogged and progressive mind, the group said it has unfailing trust that he has never all his life been involved in any criminal activity.

Dada therefore rejected the suggestion as issued by the DSS that their leader is a suspected criminal, stating that Suleiman has never been in his continuous avowed service to humanity referred to as a suspect in any endeavour.

“We are not in doubt that Suleiman is being framed up by the enemies of the people in Kogi State since he is a grassroot leader whose influence cannot be waved aside.

“We implore the DSS to investigate the authenticity and circumstances of their claims and refuse joining the service with this political frameup. Kogi state belongs to all and no one should be sacrificed for another’s ambition,” the statement read.

The group said for his detractors to now resort to tarnishing his hard earned reputation is nothing but a desperation taken too far.

Concerned Nigeria Group therefore called on Nigerians and Kogites in particular, to resist the evil about being hoisted on the state, noting that Suleiman will come out clean.

They also urged the DSS to come out with the facts as comprehensively investigated on the matter, so that Nigerians would not be mislead.