Showunmi Decries Attack, Calls for Ribadu’s Intervention in Ogun

Sunday Okobi

A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and governorship aspirant in Ogun State in the 2023 general election, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has called on the newly appointed National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to call the state Governor, Dapo Abiodun, to order.

Showunmi, who lamented the  attack on him, made the urgent call in a statement issued to THISDAY yesterday. However, he  congratulated the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ribadu on his appointment as the NSA.

 As a highly respected security officer, the PDP chieftain said Ribadu must see to the probing of Governor Abiodun, who he alleged to have “elevated thuggery and brigandage to an unacceptable level culminating in the violent attack he suffered within the precinct of Ogun State High Court about two weeks ago.”

Showunmi said he was surprised that up till now, the governor, who is the Chief Security Officer of the state, has refused to comment on the unwarranted attack against him despite the fact that the whole ugly incident was captured by the media.

 The PDP chieftain in the statement said: “I write you to bring to your notice a major security challenge I have, a type I have never experienced in over 30 years of speaking truth to power in this country.

 “It is about the government of Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, he has elevated thuggery and brigandage to such an unacceptable level, the high point of it is that few weeks ago, I was violently attacked within the precinct of the Ogun State High Court while simply minding my business, and more embarrassing was that it was in full view of the Nigeria police.

 “The images are all over the media. As if to lend credence to this criminality, the chief security officer of the state in the most uncivilised manner has pretended that nothing happened.

 “Sir, I write you so that you may know that this type of activity is what led others to recruit their militia which metamorphosed into the crisis we now experience in the Northeast. It is my view that light arms and soldiers of fortunes are all over the place within our sub-region.

 “Please ask for a detailed explanation of this event sir and send a very clear warning to politicians especially Governor Abiodun that such act will not be tolerated by this government.

“People like us were busy looking for how to get Nigeria to work while he did nothing. You may ask the president, he may tell you that this democracy was fought and won at great personal act of sacrifice. I plead with you to please look into this for it is an ill wind that harbours no good.

“Meanwhile, congratulations sir and be assured of my service at the drop of a hat. You are not like most of them; as such a lot of us are praying along with you and wishing you success.”