A Special Adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, has commended the Kano State Police Command for inviting NDC senatorial candidate Aminu Abdullahi Warkal for questioning, describing his alleged conduct as condemnable and deserving of investigation.
He also called for equal treatment of politicians by security agencies over allegations of threats, intimidation and the display of firearms.
Ibe made the call via his X handle while reacting to the invitation of NDC candidate Aminu Abdullahi Warkal by the police after a viral video allegedly showed him displaying a firearm at a political gathering in Kano.
He condemned Warkal’s reported conduct, saying it deserved investigation, but insisted that the same standard must apply to politicians across party lines.
According to him, the police were right to invite Warkal for questioning, but Nigeria must not operate a system where opposition politicians are swiftly investigated while similar conduct by members of the ruling party attracts a different response.
He stated: “The reported conduct of NDC politician Aminu Abdullahi Warkal, who was seen in a viral video allegedly displaying a firearm at a political gathering in Kano, is condemnable and deserves investigation. The police were right to invite him for questioning, but that principle must apply equally to everybody.
“Nigeria cannot afford a system in which an opposition politician is swiftly invited over alleged intimidation while similar conduct by members of the ruling party attracts a different response.
“That is why reports that Edo State APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe was also invited over his widely reported ‘AK-47 fire’ remark are welcome. That is how the system should work: allegations of threats, violence or intimidation should be investigated without regard to party affiliation.
“The same standard should apply elsewhere. Esan West Local Government Chairman Blessing Ebhodaghe was accused of threatening commercial drivers and hotels over opposition activities. Kuje Area Council Chairman Danjuma Shekwolo was recorded telling residents to support the APC or leave the council. Borno Commissioner Sainna Buba was reported to have made remarks about cutting the fingers of opponents before apologising.
“Nigerians deserve to know what became of investigations into these and similar cases. The investigations must never enter into voicemail.
“As the 2027 general elections approach, selective enforcement would be particularly dangerous. It can embolden offenders, encourage retaliation and deepen public distrust in the security agencies.
“Every political party must restrain its members. Every politician must understand that disagreement is not a licence for threats or intimidation. And the police, DSS and other security agencies must demonstrate that party membership offers neither immunity nor disadvantage before the law.
“The standard should be simple: same offence, same investigation. Same law, same consequences. There must be no ruling-party immunity and no opposition victimisation. One law must apply to all politicians.”