'You're a dictator' - Gov blasts Buhari over Dasuki's arrest

The Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has described President Muhammadu Buhari as a dictator for ordering the arrest of the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki, and the continuous siege on his home despite court orders.

Fayose said this on Friday, Nov. 20, while addressing the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’Ad Abubakar, who is on a visit to the state. He said Buhari has demonstrated disregard for the judiciary.

“President Buhari has proved me right by my claims before the election that Nigeria is in the making of a dictator if he is voted into power.

“By choosing which orders of the court to be obeyed, the President has exhibited great disdain and disrespect to the judiciary as an independent arm of government and as the last hope of a common man”, Fayose said.

He said the heavy presence of the Department of State Service (DSS) at Dasuki's Abuja residence is a violation of a valid court order and his fundamental human right.

READ: 'I won't stop criticising Buhari' - Governor says

Fayose quoted a renowned English philosopher, Edmund Burke, to express his displeasure at prominent Nigerians who have refused to speak up against Buhari.

“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing,” he quoted Burke.

The Governor further stated, “If the President flouts court orders with impunity, judicial independence will be fatally compromised and Nigeria’s embryonic democracy is in great danger.

“Of more importance and concern is the blackmail, intimidation and subtle harassment of lawyers and judges by the Buhari administration in an attempt to have innocent men convicted at all cost.

“The President has left nobody in doubt that the former NSA cannot get a fair hearing. While we must all stand against corruption it must be pursued within the dictates of the law.”

READ: Fayose attacks APC

While calling on the international community to deploy independent human rights observers to monitor Dasuki's prosecution and trial, he advised Buhari to make good of his promise to follow due process and respect the rule of law in the discharge of his duties.