The Director General of the Center for Justice on Religious and Ethnicity in Nigeria, Rev. Kallamu Musa Ali Dikwa, has raised concerns about alleged threats to his life purportedly orchestrated by government officials following his recent revelations.
In a press release, Rev. Ali Dikwa disclosed that political leaders in the northeast region have been exploiting the North East Development Commission (NEDC), describing it as an industry for personal gain.
He specifically accused Vice President Kashim Shettima of withdrawing a staggering sum of N13 billion from the commission’s funds without the consent of President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement dated March 26, 2024, Rev. Ali Dikwa, who identifies as a Kanuri and human rights activist, claimed to have faced multiple threats, both through phone calls and physical confrontations in his hometown of Maiduguri and elsewhere.
He asserted possessing evidence regarding the alleged withdrawal of N13 billion by VP Kashim Shettima from the NEDC account.
The activist expressed his distress, particularly citing the danger posed by politicians from the Kanuri dynasty, whom he regards as his own brothers.
“No doubt, every sane man or woman that come across my recent press releases will know my life will come under attack especially from the politicians from kanuri dynasty who happened to be my brothers.”
He detailed instances of harassment and intimidation he endured, including attempts to coerce him into retracting his letter to President Tinubu seeking an investigation into the matter.
Rev. Ali Dikwa recounted his futile attempt to obtain a statement of account from the NEDC office to substantiate his claims.
He alleged that the NEDC officials declined to provide the document, prompting him to appeal to President Tinubu to establish a committee to probe the issue.
Moreover, Rev. Ali Dikwa highlighted the contentious appointment of the Managing Director of NEDC, insinuating undue influence by VP Kashim Shettima in retaining his preferred candidate despite President Buhari’s initial appointment.
The activist narrated instances of coercion and attempts to silence him, including threats from unidentified individuals and coercive phone calls.
“I had several attacks on phone calls and physically in Maiduguri my home town and outside. I have evidence about the N13b withdrawn by the VP Kashim Shettima from the NEDC account.”
He implicated certain individuals linked to VP Kashim Shettima, alleging their involvement in efforts to discredit him publicly.
“Few days after, some unknown persons called me on phone threatening if I didn’t withdraw the letter written to Mr President, i will see what will happen to me. On Friday, 22/03/2024 one Samaila Ayuba called me on phone and asked me that he is going to link me with one of the vice president Kashim Shettima media officer one Mr. James Bwala, to understand ourselves on the matter to which I told him no, because I know they have been trying to get me hurt by all means but they have failed that is why they decided to go to the press to debunk my assertions on the facts.”
In his plea to President Tinubu, Rev. Ali Dikwa urged for a thorough investigation into the alleged malpractices within the NEDC, emphasizing the importance of unveiling those responsible for undermining the nation’s integrity.
He expressed hope that such action would dispel notions of undue influence within the presidency and restore public trust in governance.
”I’ll not sweep this, one of the caller said “they are the ones controlling the president and the presidency and nothing will happen” Mr President can prove the caller wrong, by only investigating NEDC and that can do that or otherwise”, he emphasized.
