From Saka Bolaji, Minna
Former Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State should expect a torrid reception in court today (Tuesday) as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigns him in court over a raft of corruption charges, as there are claims that his opponents plan to come to court to embarrass him.
Also, palpable apprehension has gripped Minna residents as the EFCC begins the trial of the former governor for alleged acts of corruption while in office .
The trial of the two-term governor has been the topic of discussion among both his supporters and opponents, with opinion sharply divided as to the propriety or otherwise of the trial.
Some of those against the former governor are reportedly prepared to storm the court in order to heckle and embarrass him. Unconfirmed sources said some of those engaged in this grand plan were arrested by operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) last weekend. As a result it was learnt that no fewer than 150 heavily armed security personnel mostly from Abuja are to be deployed to the premises of the state high court for the trial.
When contacted the state police Command Public Relations Officer DSP Bala Elkana neither confirmed nor denied the story.
Elkana said however that the police were not involved in the prosecution of the former governor saying, ” the EFCC, which is prosecuting, has all it takes to protect life and property during and after the trial”.
The state government also in a statement being broadcast on the state radio distanced itself from any plan to boo the former governor when he is brought to court.
The statement authored by the Commissioner for Information Mr Jonathan Tsado Vatsa said the APC government hold in high esteem present and past leaders of the state and would not be involved in anything that would bring them to disrepute in the face of the common man.
“However, as a government we strongly believe in the rules of law and the anti-corruption crusade of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration which is to rid the country of every form of corruption. The Niger state government therefore has no hand in the travails of the former governor who is currently facing corruption charges brought against him by the EFCC”.
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