by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Kanuri-born activist-cum Director-General Center for Justice on Religious and Ethnicity Nigeria, Rev. Kallamu Musa Ali Dikwa, has raised alarm of “alleged threats” to his life by suspected government officials over his recent publication revelation.
Rev. Ali Dikwa, in a recent press release revealed that northeast political leaders have turned the North East Development Commission (NEDC) into a “milking cow industry,” alleging that the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, alone has withdrawn N13 billion from the Commission without the consent of President Bola Tinubu.
Titled, ‘The aftermath of my recent press releases especially on NEDC, is the milking cow to the northeast political cohorts, amongst others,’ the whistle blower and Kanuri man rights activist explained that his life has come under threats, especially by politicians from Kanuri dynasty, who happened to be his own brothers, due to the release.
In a statement, dated 26th March, 2024, personally signed and made available to our correspondent recently, Rev Ali Dikwa alleged that he had several attacks on phone calls and physically in Maiduguri, his home town and outside, adding that he has evidence about the N13b withdrawn by the VP Kashim Shettima from the NEDC Account.
“No doubt, every sane man or woman that comes across my recent press releases will know my life will come under attack, especially from the politicians from Kanuri dynasty, who happen to be my brothers.
“I had several attacks on phone calls and physically in Maiduguri, my home town and outside. I have evidence about the N13b withdrawn by the VP Kashim Shettima from the NEDC Account.
“I just visited the office of the NEDC to get her statement account to boost my evidence, but the officials refused to give; hence I wrote to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to setup a committee to investigate the matter, on 11/03/2024, and was acknowledged same date,” he stated.
He also stated that, “Upon the expiration of the tenure of the current Managing Director of NEDC, last year, under former President Bihari, appointment of new MD was done by President Buhari but was nullified by the VP Kashim Shetima and retained his boss and kinsman by force.
“Few days after, some unknown persons called me on phone threatening, if I didn’t withdraw the letter written to Mr President, I will see what will happen to me. On Friday, 22/03/2024, one Samaila Ayuba called me on phone and asked me that he is going to link me with one of the Vice President Kashim Shettima media officer, one Mr. James Bwala, to understand ourselves on the matter, to which I told him ‘No,’ because I know they have been trying to get me hurt by all means but they have failed, that is why they decided to go to the press to debunk my assertions on the facts.
“Those going to the press are the boys of VP Kaahim Shetima and the NEDC boss, which is a must for them to defend their bosses to protect their food against all odds.”
He, therefore, still pleaded with Mr President to investigate excesses in the NEDC, and Nigerians will know the destroyers of the country.
“I will not sweep this,” one of the callers said; “they are the ones controlling the president and the presidency, and nothing will happen. Mr President can prove the caller wrong by only investigating NEDC, and that can do that or otherwise,” he emphasized.