The continued detention of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) Leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, without cogent reasons shows how Presidency have disappointed Nigerians on matters of National interest.
Zakzaky was arrested and detained in December 2015, following a confrontation between the Army and the movement in Kaduna State which claimed 347 lives of its movement members.
The leader of the IMN later approached the Court to demand for his release since he was detained without being charged to Court.
Delivering the judgement, the presiding Judge, Gabriel Kolawole, ordered the release of the Zazkazy and that a fine should be paid in the sum of N25million be paid to the leader and his wife.
Despite the order from the Court, Federal Government refused to release Zakzaky and two years on, the Zakzaky is still in detention without serving any term or being prosecuted.
His lawyer, Femi Falana also argued that his client to be release as his health and that of his wife is deteriorating.
“Sheik El-zakzaky already lost his left eye and he is on the verge of losing the right eye sequel to the brutal treatment meted out to him by the armed soldiers and the State Security Service has denied him foreign medical treatment recommended by the local specialists who had attended to him. Even the alternative arrangement put in place by the family of the Sheik to bring eye specialists from abroad to treat him in custody has equally been rejected without any legal justification”
PRESIDENCY’S EXCUSE
During a review of the administration is two years in power, the Federal Government was asked why Zakzaky is still in detention.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, said Zakzaky is being detained for his own good.
“On the issue of El-Zakzaky, the information we have is that he is being kept more for his own safety than the offences he committed.
“El-Zakzaky is held for his own good. If you set him free, what do you think will happen on the streets? He is not in a typical prison condition. He has the company of his wife and children. They can leave if they want. There is overall public good weighing against his release.”
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed was also asked on a programme why Zakzaky has not been release but he debunked the widely perception that the IMN leader his in detention.
The Minister noted that the leader is in a house built for him by the Government as “nobody wants to accept him as a neighbour.”
“There is a lot of deliberate misunderstanding on El-Zakzaky’s issue.
“If a judgment is given and that judgment is appealed, you cannot accuse the government of violating a court order if the appeal has not been decided.
“Also, in the case of El-Zakzaky, how many Nigerians know that El Zakzaky is actually not in prison custody nor police custody nor DSS custody? El-Zakzaky is in a house with his family, this is the honest truth.
“The court ruled that he will be released after his house has been rebuilt. Nobody wants to accept El-Zakzaky as a neighbour. So we have been able to build a house, where do we release him to?”
SAMBO DASUKI STILL INCARCERATED
The National Security Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan was arrested and charged to Court on a six-count charge on money laundering and illegal possessions of firearms in 2015.
Before the end of the year, he was arraigned before three different Federal High Courts, on 47-count charge of illegal diversion of N32billion and another N13.6billion naira.
He pleaded not guilty to all charges and was granted bail by the Courts, but the Government ignored all the orders and is refusing to release him.
THE Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), also ruled that the ex-NSA be released to which the Nigeria Government ignored.
PRESIDENCY’S EXCUSE
When asked why Dasuki has not been released, Shehu Garba also said his release might affect investigations as there are still charges against him.
“It is a common thing in all nations of the world that there are matters of public safety. The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, I think, has made his points here in the State House against individuals’ interests. And in all cases, public good should override individual interest.”
Acting Chairman of the Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), also said Dasuki is being detained due to continuous investigation.
“At times in the course of interrogation, some facts do come up that would require further investigation. We don’t detain people unnecessarily.”
RATS INVASION
After President Buhari’s return from medical vacation in the United Kingdom, Nigerians received the news that he would be working from home pending the renovation from his office.
“Following the three months period of disuse, rodents have caused a lot of damage to the furniture and the air conditioning units.” Shehu Garba had said.
“There are also general works (to be carried out in the office) and it is not uncommon. Buhari has used the residential office for many years.”
FIGHT PIPELINE VANDAL IF YOU WANT LIGHT
When asked on a Television Programme about the poor State of electricity supply in the Country, Media Aide to the President, Femi Adesina, said Nigerians should stop complaining and hold pipelines vandals responsible.
“If some people are crying that they are in darkness, they should go and hold those who vandalize the installations, that’s it.”
