Disregard preemptive utterances by Southern Solidarity Forum, regarding the trial of ex AGF Idris— Arewa Professionals Forum urges.


Arewa Professionals Forum, is a sociocultural association of like-minds , working to promote and protect the interest of northern Nigeria— it's people, values and sanctity.pp
Our attention has been drawn to a publication, going round on some media platforms, titled, "Don't let ex AGF Idris off the hook group urges EFCC".

The publication or press release, is credited to a group, Southern Solidarity Forum, in South-west state of Osun. And individuals who made statements according to the report, were one Otunba Olagoke Fabiyi, and Ms Bisola Adeyemi.

As a group with character and sound moral judgement, Arewa Professionals Forum deem it necessary to make public,this rejoinder.

1. The former AGF, Mallam Ahmed Idris, has served this country meritoriously, regardless of the many lies and half-truths peddled against him by particularly, some section of the press. This is nothing less than a media trial, exacerbated by fake news, which we have reasons to believe is the handiwork of his detractors, whose identity we all we know.

2. It is worthy to note, the Nigerian constitution guarantees the innocence of any accused persons, until he was proven guilty, through the provision of incontrovertible evidence in court.

3. The assertions by Southern Solidarity Forum, through one Otunba Olagoke Fabiyi, that, Mallam Ahmed Idris, was trying to "clever by half" in order to deceive the EFCC, because, Mallam told the court, that he was deceived into making the statement by the EFCC. Mr Fabiyi must understand that, The Evidence Act, 2023, as amended, provides for the nullification of evidence earlier given, by a suspect, when there's a clause— taken under duress, deception, intimidation and manipulations.
Therefore, the use of words like "childish" by Mr Fabiyi, buttress just one significant point, he just exhibited a trait akin to what he says.

4. The EFCC, is a national anti-gratf agency, established by laws of the country. It is an agency for all Nigerians. Mr Fabiyi sounded clannish, when he portrayed the EFCC under the current Chairman as doing the bidding of the president. We are not averse to fight against corruption. We are rather calling for justice and fair trial of Mallam Ahmed Idris, without the attendant barrage of attacks from some faceless individuals using Organizations and press.

5. Another speaker at the Osogbo event, Ms Bisola Adeyemi, claimed without any evidence that, Mallam Ahmed Idris, had business interest and benefited from IPPIS. This callous lies shows how desperate, and unrelenting the these elements are in trying to nail Mallam at all cost. IPPIS, has been in place long before Mallam became AGF. It was a federal government independent agency. She sounded preemptive, when she proclaim that Mallam Ahmed Idris, ought to be in jail. Really? In jail for which crime?

6. For the avoidance of doubt, and contrary to the last assertions, Mallam Ahmed Idris, is a builder of future not destroyer. He provided thousands of youths with scholarships, secured jobs, paid tuition fees and provided employment to many more. This singular act alone, endeared him to masses. He has no hand in the prolonged ASUU strike. In fact, it was through his efforts and resilience, the universities didn't collapse. He was neither the Minister of finance, nor education.

7. We have seen individual, caught red-handed in the act of theft by the EFCC. Some had their houses ransacked and cash running into billions found. On the contrary, Mallam Ahmed Idris, has not been found with cash in any apartment linked to him. He has been a victim of political witch hunt, involving known individuals.

8. On the case of the 109billion, on which he is standing trial, alongside three others, Southern Solidarity Forum, should avail themselves with facts on the case. The entire budget and assets of the office of the AGF, is not upto 10billion.
The amount mentioned, here, is linked to a consultancy services, for an original payment of cumulative monies owed the south south states over the years. The process was transparent. However, the fall out was more political.

9. We reiterate our confidence in the judiciary. The EFCC, must be allowed to do their job. It is a federal agency. We find the call by Southern Solidarity Forum, is to say the least, very preemptive. It showed their is an ulterior considerations.

10. We have the moral obligation to frown at individuals or group subjecting one of our own to ridicule and media trails. We would continue follow diligently and with keen interest, court proceedings regarding the case involving Mallam Ahmed Idris. We have the obligation to respond to Southern Solidarity Forum, and even any group, throwing tantrums and passing judgement and aspersions, without any evidence on one of us. We implore all to be steadfast in prayers for justice for Mallam Ahmed Idris.

Sign

Comrade Auwal Muhammad
Secretary-General
Arewa Professionals Forum