The drama between the senator representing Ogun East District in the National Assembly, Buruji Kashamu and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has taken a dangerous twist with the politician alleging a plot by the agency to abduct him as well as plans by some individuals to assassinate him.
The senator and anti-narcotics agency have been playing a game of cat and mouse for several months over alleged drug-trafficking charges against Mr. Kashamu in the United States of America.
The NDLEA insists that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, senator is a wanted man in the U.S and plans to extradite him to stand trial there but Kashamu denied the allegation, claiming he was a victim of mistaken identity.
A Federal High Court in Abuja last year July had while dismissing for lack of jurisdiction, the Federal Government’s suit seeking Senator Kashamu’s arrest and extradition to the U.S, described the suit as an abuse of court process.
Earlier this year, the Senate, Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN) and the NDLEA, were reported to have reached an understanding on Senator Buruji Kashamu.
SEE ALSO: Kashamu’s Extradition Still Ongoing – NDLEA
Following the intervention by the Senator Samuel Anyanwu-led Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, it was unanimously agreed by the parties that there would be no further harassment, intimidation, abduction and extradition of Kashamu until all legal processes in the court have been exhausted. It was also agreed that the rule of law and due process must be followed in the case.
But it seems the agreement is no longer binding as the embattled senator in a statement issued yesterday in Lagos, raised the alarm over a plot to abduct him by the NDLEA and some powerful individuals in the agency.
According to the statement, the plot was to either have the Ogun senator abducted or attacked on the streets or at a social function.
It also wondered why anyone would want to usurp legitimate authorities and resort to such crude tactics and self-help in a democratic Nigeria.
“I do not know what I have done to them that they want to do as if Nigeria is a banana republic. If anyone thinks he has a case against me, he should approach the courts and allow the rule of law to prevail.
“I urge the masses and Nigerians in general to help me beseech the Almighty Allah who has been my help and shield to continue to protect and guide me from all manners of evil machinations. They should not kill me for my family and the thousands of Nigerians who depend on me for their daily living.
“Politics should not be a do-or-die affair. I will always say and stand by the truth in the interest of the masses. I will always rise above primordial sentiments and selfish interest in all my dealings, in and out of politics”, Kashamu said.
The senator urged the State, his family members and associates to know those to hold responsible should anything untoward happen to him.
Can anybody tell me why this wanted person has not been arrested yet? No wonder the Senate is that way.