… Says Nobody Is Above the Law
The Federal Government has said that Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has been invited for interrogation.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who made the comment said that no Nigerian is above the law.
The Minister made the comment while speaking with State House Correspondents on Monday after the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja
The Minister said that Gumi was invited for questioning in relation to the abduction of over 280 pupils and teachers in Kuriga, Kaduna State.
The Minister stressed that the Islamic Cleric is not above the law and must be made accountable to his comments and actions.
Idris stated further that the Federal Government did not pay any ransom to release the students of Kuriga, Kaduna State, in line with the President’s directive they should be returned safety without payment of money to the hoodlums.
He said that the President’s decision reinforced the pertinence of adherence to law and order in addressing security matters.
Nigerians had raised serious concerns over Gumi’s offer to negotiate with the bandits who seized the pupils describing it as curious.
“Government will stop at nothing to get any kind of information that is required to solve our problems, the security agencies are up and doing.
“Sheik Gumi or any other individuals are not above the law. If he has suggestions that are good enough and that are constructive enough for the security agencies to take, they will take but if they think that he is also making some statements that appear to be reckless, he will also be reprimanded.
“There is nobody that is above the law. Let me put it here. And I’m aware that he has been also a guest of security agencies to answer questions. When you make remarks especially remarks that border on our national security, it is incumbent on our national security to think further and they are doing just that, no one is above the law.”
“As promised by Mr. President, they have been rescued. No ransom was paid…
“The Council was briefed on the School of children Kuriga Kaduna State, and Sokoto. Mr President and members of council were happy to note that as promised by Mr. President, these children were reunited or had been rescued from these captors and as usual and in keeping with the commitment of Mr. President no ransom was paid.
“The Federal Executive Council and Mr. President are very grateful to especially the National Security Adviser, the service chiefs and all security agents who participated diligently in ensuring that this kidnapped children are reunited with their families.
“Government is determined to ensure that the lives and property of all Nigerians are protected at all times and Mr. President has also charged security agencies to ensure that these kidnappings are brought to a halt finally in this country.
“Indeed, all those who are participating in this criminal act will be fished out by the security agencies and will never go unpunished.
The Minister said that President Tinubu was happy with the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs, and all the people whose efforts resulted in the release of the students.
According to him, the President has charged security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure the total eradication of kidnapping in the country.
Speaking on the number of abducted kids, the minister said, “287 of these children were taking in. What I can tell you is that there is no report that any of these kidnap victims either died or has been withheld.
“So those that have been taken have been brought back in safety to their families. I can tell you that.“ he added
