CD Says FCT Council Chairman Order To Banish Opposition Is Threat To National Security, Orders Arrest

By Ayodele Oni

The Campaign for Democracy, (CD), has called on security agents to arrest Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, chairman of Kuje Area council, Abuja, for incitement to public disturbance, abuse of office, threat to national security, and violation of fundamental human rights.

The call followed Mr. Shekwolo’s order to residents who do not support the All Progressives Congress, ( APC) and President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid to “vacate Kuje Area Council.”

CD condemned what it termed “the lawless, fascist, and unconstitutional outburst of Danjuma Shekwolo.”

In a viral video, Mr. Shekwolo arrogantly ordered residents who do not support the All Progressives Congress and President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid to “vacate Kuje Area Council.”

He went further to declare his position “non-negotiable” and boasted that he will use the power of his office to crush and frustrate any resident who opposes the APC.

CD, in a statement signed by Rev Ifeanyi Odilli, its chairman stated that “This is not governance. This is gangsterism. This is dictatorship in a democratic robe.

“Section 40, 41 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to freedom of association, movement, and to support any political party without fear or intimidation.

“No Area Council Chairman, no President, no Governor has the power to exile citizens from their own land because of politics. Mr. Shekwolo has desecrated his oath of office and assaulted the very foundation of our democracy.

“To threaten to drive people out of their homes, businesses, and communities because of political affiliation is the first step toward violence. It is sedition. It is a direct threat to national security and peaceful coexistence in the FCT.

“Governance and development projects paid for with taxpayers’ money belong to all Nigerians, not just APC members.

“To use development as ransom to demand political loyalty is corruption of the highest order. Public office is a public trust, not a personal fiefdom.

“We hereby demand that the Director General of the Department of State Services, DSS, and the Inspector General of Police, IGP, immediately arrest, detain, and prosecute Hon. Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo for incitement to public disturbance, abuse of office, threat to national security, and violation of fundamental human rights.

“Silence in the face of this impunity will embolden other tyrants in power to do worse.

“Let it be known: if we continue down this road where elected officials threaten to banish citizens for their political beliefs, then democracy has lost its taste in Nigeria.

“What we will have left is a one-party state enforced by fear, intimidation, and state power. That is not the Nigeria our heroes fought and died for.

“Kuje belongs to all Nigerians. The FCT belongs to all Nigerians. Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians. Your party card cannot determine your right to live in your fatherland.

“We call on all well-meaning Nigerians, civil society, the media, and international partners to speak up and reject this descent into authoritarianism. The people of Kuje must not be intimidated. Stand firm. Your vote is your power. Your right is protected by law.”

The Kuje area council chairman has since announced the withdrawal of the order.