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SSS summons El-Rufai, warns against inciting statements

Former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai
| credits: File copy

The  State Security Service   has  invited a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai,  to appear at its headquarters in Abuja on Friday (today) over a statement attributed to him in the Thursday edition of  a national daily newspaper (not The PUNCH).

El-Rufai,  who is also the Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress,  was said to have been invited to clarify the statement  in which he allegedly said   that “the next election  are  likely to be violent and that  many people are likely going to die.”

He was also quoted as having said  that “the only alternative left to get power is to take it by force.”

His  Media Adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, told   our correspondent through a text message on Thursday,   that El-Rufai   was  willing to meet the SSS   in his home or office or in the alternative, the agency should produce a warrant of arrest.

Adekeye said, “El-Rufai called the Director-General of SSS and told him that he had a pending suit against the service over the   Anambra State  governorship  election, as such he would not go to the SSS office.”

  Before the invitation of El-Rufai was made known to our correspondent, the SSS   had    warned  that  it would deal with  politicians and other individuals  making threatening and provocative statements ahead of the 2015 elections.

It reminded such politicians that it had the constitutional mandate along with other security agencies, to protect the country and its citizens.

The SSS, in a  statement   by its  Deputy Director, Public Relations, Marilyn Ogar, on Thursday,   called on  Nigerians to remain law-abiding and assist security agencies in ensuring a safe society.

The statement reads, “The attention of the Department of State Services has been drawn to incessant provocative statements by some Nigerians threatening violence ahead of the 2015 general elections. Such comments are offensive, misguided, and directed at stirring hate amongst Nigerians.

“We therefore warn all subversive elements that are bent on promoting divisive and disruptive agenda to desist from such, as the full weight of the law shall henceforth be brought to bear accordingly.