Pascal Arogorn Ibe
The Department of State Security Services (DSS) has once again invited the former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Obadiah Mailafia, to its office in Jos, the Plateau State Capital.
Mailafia, who was also the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has previously been interrogated by officials of the security agencies in connection with comments he reportedly made during a radio interview about the leadership of Boko Haram.
His lawyer, Yakubu Bawa, confirmed to journalists on Friday that this is the third time Mailafia will be appearing at the DSS office in Jos.
Mailafia’s recent invitation might not be unconnected with his comments during the radio interview and his claims that bandits terrorising Southern Kaduna moved weapons across the country even during the COVID-19- lockdown.
Bawa claimed that Mailafia had spent over 20 years working abroad as a university teacher, banker, and civil servant with an unblemished record and no criminal record but he is still being subjected to criminal investigation and persecution.
He explained that a recent invitation by the deputy inspector general of police, asking dr Mailafia to again appear at the force headquarters in Abuja, has forced him approached a Jos High Court to seek his fundamental rights not to appear before the police since the DSS is currently investigating the matter.
The former CBN Deputy Governor has maintained that he does not support or promote violence and will never support evil.
However Mailafia who was reacting to the third m invitation extended to him by the Department of State Services in a statement in Jos on Friday, described the latest DSS invitation as political persecution and urged well -meaning people to pray for his safety.
He said , “ Dear Comrades , Beloved Brethren, I have once again ( for the 3rd time ) been ordered to appear before the DSS at their Jos HQ this coming Monday 14th September , at 11. 00 am .
“ This is in addition to our battle in court , as my lawyer appears before a Jos High Court today Friday the 11th , seeking a restraining order against the DIG Criminal Investigations Department ( CID ) who are also pursuing me .
“ I spent over 20 years of my working life abroad as a university teacher , banker and international civil servant with unblemished record.
“ I have no criminal record — not even a parking ticket . Sadly, it is in my own fatherland that I ’ m being subjected to criminal investigation and such extreme political persecution.
“ Please , pray for me. I have reasons to believe that my life is in danger and that some powerful political forces want to sole vs me forever . For speaking the truth .
“ For speaking on behalf of the holy martyrs — of thousands of innocent children, women , elderly and youths that have been killed in our beloved country. It is only in our benighted country that a man who speaks from his conscience can be hounded like a common criminal .
“ Please , those of you in the Jos area or who can easily travel to Jos , please kindly mobilise and be there en masse to support me on Monday at 11. 00 am as I go once again into the Lions ’ Den . I ’ m a believer in nonviolence. Please , no – one should throw even a little stone on my behalf . Let us become candles of light and peace in this Age of Darkness. Thank you so immensely and may God bless you alI . ”
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