Saraki Knocks Police Over ‘Unwarranted Harassment’ Of Edwin Clark

Senate President Bukola Saraki has reacted to the raid on the residence of the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark.

Saraki, in a statement on Wednesday, described the action by the police officers as a “gross abuse of state institutions”.

The Senate President also questioned the timing of the raid, saying it does not reflect well on the country, as it constitutes a threat to democracy.

On Tuesday, four policemen, raided the Abuja residence of Clark. The officers were allegedly searching for illegal weapons.

The police, in a statement by Force PRO, Mr Jimoh Moshood, said they have since arrested five persons in connection with the “unauthorized” raid, adding that the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, had no knowledge of the raid.

Saraki further called for a “thorough, transparent investigation” into the incident to prevent future reoccurrences.

“The unwarranted harassment of Chief Edwin Clark, who is known for being very vocal in expressing his views on national issues, at a time when the nation is preparing for elections does not reflect well on the country. Such actions constitute a threat to democracy,” the statement reads.

“Chief Clark, who is also a Second Republic Senator and former minister under the General Gowon administration is not above the law. If there is a genuine reason for his home to be searched by law enforcement agencies, nobody will object to it. However, as it appears now, for the Police to conduct a raid on the home of a man of that age on the pretence that they were looking for arms and eventually — the claim turned out to be a hoax — means that something is amiss.

“These actions represent a gross abuse of state institutions.

“Now that the Inspector General of Police has denied that the raid was never authorized, the next move should be a thorough, transparent investigation into the Senator Edwin Clark incident to prevent future reoccurrences.

“These kinds of ugly developments must stop. This country experienced a peaceful change in 2015 because the government in power allowed democracy to work. If the government had allowed the flagrant abuse and misuse of state institutions to be the norm, we would not have had the change that occurred.

“Democracy is not only about elections. Circumstances that will create tension in any part of the country or make people feel that their fundamental human rights are being trampled upon should be avoided.

“If a man of the caliber and status of Senator Edwin Clark can suffer such an unwarranted raid on his home, then what will happen to ordinary Nigerians as we move towards the 2019 polls and beyond?”