The law meant for rich and poor, says Garba Shehu on Saraki’s police invitation

Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, says every Nigerian, irrespective of his or her social class, is answerable to the law.

He said this in reaction to criticisms on the police invitation of Senate President Bukola Saraki over the robbery in Offa, Kwara state.

On Monday, Ibrahim Idris, inspector-general of police (IGP), asked Saraki to appear at the office of intelligence response team (IRT) in Abuja over the incident.

But Saraki said the police have “obviously corrupted and politicised their investigations into the Offa robbery incident.”

Shehu said instead of “going to the public to plead persecution”, accused persons should “approach the courts to plead their innocence”.

“The law of the land is intended for all, not for the poor or those at the lowest rungs of the social ladder,” the statement read.

“It is odd, strange and bizarre that while ordinary citizens can be called up to answer questions or be interrogated, the VIP cannot be questioned without the annoying insinuations of partisanship, persecution or outright politicization.

“Accused persons should approach the courts to plead their innocence rather than going to the public to plead persecution.

“This country cannot achieve development in peace when important cases are viewed through a political prism and the law is considered as being applicable to some, and not applicable to others.

“The country is better served when the law enforcement agencies are allowed to do their work and we must stop the actors of this dangerous game of politicizing law enforcement.”

He said there is always an “orchestrated campaign” against President Muhammadu Buhari anytime a “VIP is summoned for interrogation”.

Shehu said Buhari does not interfere in the discharge of the duties of security agencies.

“The presidency has taken note of the orchestrated campaign against President Muhammadu Buhari each time a very Important Person (VIP) is invited by the law enforcement agencies, in the discharge of their legitimate duties and functions,” he said.

“The workings of law enforcement agencies are set out in the constitution and the laws of the country. If they worked at the discretion of past presidents, who decided who to question and who to detain, Nigerians should get used to the fact that this president is different. President Buhari does not and will not influence or interfere with cases.

“The constitution clearly directs law enforcement agencies to promptly report and investigate any actual or potential infringement of the law and also initiate proceedings against all those involved.

“This president is not the one who directs them on what to do.

“President Buhari does not stand in the way of law enforcement either. Under our constitution, he has no powers to stop the investigation of anyone or institution. When they are set to investigate anything and anyone, the best friend of the law is the one who lets them do their work.

“The president’s constant refrain is that he will not tolerate any form of illegality including corruption and the law enforcement agencies have been given complete freedom to identify and bring all culprits to justice. His instructions to them are very clear: Anyone with a case to answer or found guilty should not be spared.”