A former national secretary of the defunct Action Congress, Usman Bugaje, a staunch critic of President Muhammadu Buhari, was on Wednesday invited for interrogation by the State Security Service (SSS) for criticizing the President’s administration’s handling of insecurity in the country.
A source, who is an associate of Bugaje, told journalists that the secret service had invited him two weeks ago after he featured twice on an AIT programme in Abuja.
He said, “Dr Bugaje had featured twice on an interview programme of the AIT two weeks ago. After his appearances on the television, he received an invitation from the SSS, asking him to report at its office to provide further clarifications on the comments he made on the programmes.
“Today (Wednesday) at 10 a.m, he (Mr Bugaje) reported at the SSS in Abuja and he was detained.”
It was gathered that Bugaje was interrogated at a unit in the Office of the National Security Adviser for eight hours before he was released around 7 p.m.
Recall that Bugaje, the convener of Arewa Research and Development Project (ARDP), had turned down the Buhari administration’s ambassadorial appointment offer in 2016.
He had premised his rejection of the job on his desire to nurture a development blueprint for Northern Nigeria called, “Arewa Research and Development Project.”
Bugaje had on his Facebook page said, “Regarding the published nomination for an ambassadorial posting, I have not spoken to the press and may not do so anytime soon.
“I thank those who think me fit for the job, but I have so much in my hands already, especially the Arewa Research and Development Project, which is the only broad platform in the north driving development.
“I have weighed the options and have decided to remain home and continue the struggle for development and good governance.”
Bugaje has consistently criticised the Buhari administration’s handling of the economy and security.
In January 2021, during a Channels TV interview, Bugaje said the government was giving tactical support to kidnapping by failing to act to address the security menace.
He said, “We have seen how kidnappers have been collecting money and are enjoying it, and the government is in a way legitimizing the industry.
“Can’t do what it needs to do, and what it should do, and what it can do,” adding that the situation had worsened to the extent that government and security institutions “are paying money for the release of their own people.”
“That means you are supporting the growing criminal industry.”
