The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) has demanded that President Muhammadu Buhari ensure that all those charged in Deputy Commissioner Abba Kyari’s drug scandal face justice.
According to the group, the scandal has exposed Nigeria to unprecedented global scrutiny.
The association, which is outraged by the “stunning revelations” made by the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) about Kyari’s involvement, says Buhari has “another opportunity to salvage Nigeria’s and his administration’s continually fading image by ensuring that the wheel of justice is not compromised at any stage.”
Mr. Abiola Owoaje, the NAS Capoon, stated in a press statement titled “Abba Kyari Drug Scandal: Beyond the Drama” that while Kyari and other suspects remain innocent until proven guilty by a law court, NAS is “extremely perturbed about the circumstances surrounding the senior police officer’s involvement in this unfolding drug scandal and the colossal negative ramifications therein.”
While wondering how Kyari, who should be suspended from the Police and the IRT, could give operational control and carry out arrests, declared that the Inspector-General of Police has questions to answer.
Owoaje stated that the Kyari saga has tarnished the image of the Nigeria Police and exposed official corruption within the country’s security system is out of hand.
“The undeniable fact is that the Kyari drug scandal has once again exposed the serious dysfunction and decadence that pervades Nigeria’s security system.”
A system that empowers and elevates rogues to celebrity, protects criminality, breeds incompetence, and fosters official corruption is completely unacceptable and untenable.
A system that allows state officials and law enforcers to undermine state institutions with impunity and hasten the collapse of governance must be condemned by all right-thinking citizens.
It is easy to see why Nigeria’s image has continued to attract scorn in the areas of transparency and anti-corruption.
At the heart of this investigation is the IGP, who could hardly give a cold shoulder for wrongdoing while hobnobbing with a suspended officer under investigation for allegations of international fraud to the disturbing extent that the latter was a prominent figure among guests at his son’s wedding recently.
The IGP has demonstrated that he is unworthy of being trusted to crack down on crime and criminality, even among the rank and file that he supervises.”
According to Owoaje, Buhari should accept responsibility for the current administration’s official corruption and impunity because his laid-back approach has emboldened state officials to misbehave.
He urged the President to remove any impediments to the swift and effective administration of justice in this particular case.
“At the President’s request, a high-powered independent and transparent probe should reveal the extent of state actors’ involvement, and those found culpable and still serving should be dismissed and prosecuted.”
