PDP speaks on police invitation to Fani-Kayode

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Nigeria Police to come out clear on the ‘fact-finding’ invitation, extended to former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode.

Fani-Kayode has been asked to appear on Tuesday, over “alleged conspiracy, criminal defamation and inciting publication.”

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, PDP said while it was not against any lawful step by the police in carrying out its duties, “the police must ensure that it is not being used by the All Progressive Congress (APC) in its desperate quest to muzzle free speech and subjugate Nigerians, particularly the opposition, ahead of the 2019 general election.”

According to the statement, the police invitation was unclear on the specifics of the “conspiracy, criminal defamation and inciting publication likely to cause breach of peace.”

PDP, therefore, urged the police to “come out clear on why it has invited Chief Kayode and resist attempts by the APC to entangle it with controversial political issues.”

The statement partly reads: “This is particularly as the letter inviting Chief Kayode did not state in specific terms, the alleged issues or conduct bordering on ‘conspiracy, criminal defamation, inciting publication, injurious falsehood and conduct likely to cause breach of peace’, for which he has been invited.

“We hope that the invitation is not a set up and part of the design to emasculate citizens, which is now being unleashed on media houses, journalists and other citizens for alleged comments and publications considered to be against the interest of the ruling party.

“This is because reports, already available in credible media, have it that Chief Kayode’s invitation ‘may not be unconnected’ with an interview he granted the Africa Independent Television (AIT) where he reportedly controverted claims by the Presidency and the APC that it was Senate President Bukola Saraki that masterminded the widely condemned invasion of the National Assembly.

“Moreover, the recent detention of the Premium Times reporter, the arraignment of Senator Isah Misau for allegedly making injurious statement against the IG of Police, the invitation of Mr. Kassim Afegbua, the spokesman of former military President Ibrahim Babangida for issuing a statement considered critical to this administration and the recent demolition of the studio of Flash FM in Ibadan, Oyo State capital for allegedly airing materials considered against the interest of the APC in the state, readily come to mind.

“We therefore urge the Police to come out clear on why it has invited Chief Kayode and resist attempts by the APC to entangle it with controversial political issues.”