SSS summons El-Rufai over inciting statements

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.

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 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, 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.”