Wike petitions Abdulsalami Abubakar over army, police chiefs

Governor Nyesom Wike yesterday implored former Head of State and Chairman, National Peace Committee, General Abdusalam Abubakar (rtd), to impress it on the Chief of Army State, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, and the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, to rein in their men in Rivers State.

Urging professional and conduct that attunes to civility and democratic ethos, the governor said the entreaty has become necessary in view of the prevailing circumstances in his state.

He called on the two topshots to prevail on the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Major-General Jamil Sarham, and the Commander of Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, (F-SARS), Mr. Akin Fakorede, to excuse themselves from electoral duties in the state.

During a state broadcast in Port Harcourt, Wike stated:

“My office is also inundated with reports of the partisan activities of the General Officer Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major-General Jamil Sarham, and the Commander of the Federal Anti-Robbery Squad, Mr. Victor Akin Fakorede, who have signed on to unlawfully deploy military and SARS operatives to destabilise the state and create avoidable crisis.

“We condemn the unprofessional and provocative activities of General Jamil Sarham and Mr. Victor Akin Fakorede and plead with the international community to hold the duo responsible for any violence or crisis in Rivers States.”

He urged the Federal Government to remain neutral and protect the sanctity of the ballot.

But the division’s spokesperson, Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, said there was nothing new about the governor’s allegation, describing it as untrue and unfortunate.

The governor added: “Truth be told, the Supreme Court has spoken. INEC has confirmed. It is the will of God.”

Meanwhile, an ally, Timi Frank, has alleged of plot to assassinate Atiku Abubakar.

In a statement, he asked Nigerians and the international community to be vigilant. He claimed to be in possession of credible information to that effect.

Frank said the latest information, which was released by a top general, suggested that “a Special Masked Squad” was to be allegedly deployed in Adamawa to induce unrest.