Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has denied any involvement in the arrest of a Geidam-based businessman, Wakil Goni, popularly known as Mai Salati, over alleged terrorism logistics support and collaboration with suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Key Highlights
- Governor Buni denies any role in the arrest of Geidam businessman Wakil Goni, alias Mai Salati.
- Mai Salati, an ADC member, was reportedly arrested by Operation Hadin Kai troops over alleged ISWAP links.
- Buni says he has never ordered anyone’s arrest over political differences in seven years in office.
- He says the matter is strictly between the businessman and the army.
- The governor spoke after swearing in two commissioners and 17 council chairmen in Damaturu.
Buni said he has never ordered the arrest of anyone on account of political differences throughout his seven years in office, stressing that such an action is contrary to his political disposition.
The governor spoke in Damaturu shortly after swearing in two commissioners and 17 newly elected local government council chairmen.
He said he was unaware of the circumstances surrounding Mai Salati’s arrest until troops of Sector 2, Maiduguri, carried out the operation.
Not Politically Motivated, Says Buni
Buni also dismissed insinuations that the arrest is politically motivated because of the businessman’s affiliation with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting that the matter was strictly between Mai Salati and the army.
“It is not even in my character to order the arrest of anybody simply because we have different political views. I have never done such in my life. The commissioner of police, Yobe Command, can attest to this,” the governor said.
He added that he has, on previous occasions, intervened to secure the release of individuals arrested over their political differences without his knowledge.
“Even in situations where some people ordered the arrest of persons with divergent political views without consulting me, I have always directed their immediate release. I have learnt to be tolerant in politics,” Buni said.
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The governor further disclosed that he made efforts to resolve the matter amicably, but was later informed that the case was beyond his intervention because investigations were necessary to establish the businessman’s culpability or otherwise.
Mai Salati, a prominent ADC member, was reportedly arrested recently by troops of Operation Hadin Kai over allegations of providing logistical support to terrorism and collaborating with ISWAP elements.
The allegations against the businessman have yet to be established, and investigations are expected to determine his level of involvement, if any.
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