A security signal seen by SaharaReporters during the weekend had shown how Sadique and his party allegedly recruited 1,000 militants and political thugs ahead of the 2023 election in the state.
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Bauchi State, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (rtd) has denied links to insecurity in the state.
A security signal seen by SaharaReporters during the weekend had shown how Sadique and his party allegedly recruited 1,000 militants and political thugs ahead of the 2023 election in the state.
The move it was gathered was part of the former Air Force Chief and the APC's electioneering strategies to win the 2023 governorship election in the state.
A colonel in the army, who spoke on condition of anonymity had told SaharaReporters that Sadique and APC recruited “over 1,000 footsoldiers with arms to destabilise parts of the state perceived as opposition’s stronghold.”
“It has been a scary situation in Bauchi state since Sadique Abubakar won the APC ticket.
“There have been sponsored crime and criminality in the state. We have received so many security reports on this issue. Even some of his party members are scared of him.”
An APC member stated that the party was now at the mercy of Sadique, saying he imposed himself on the party through the alleged use of threats and by blackmailing those he perceived as a stumbling block to his governorship ambition.
“I can tell you that what happened in Bauchi state is a case of imposition through threats. The former chief of air staff exhibited a high level of desperation and is willing to crush anyone that stands in his way. Some of the boys he trained and armed while in office brandished sophisticated weapons at the slightest opportunity, even in the full glare of security operatives,” he said.
But in his reaction, Sadique denied recruiting thugs or militants ahead of the 2023 polls.
He demanded from SaharaReporters a retraction with an apology carried with the same prominence on its platform and three national dailies for seven (7) consecutive days.
“Air Marshal Abubakar Sadiq (Rtd) (Hereinafter referred to as ("Our Client") on whose instruction and authority we write you.
“We refer to your publication dated 7th day of August 2022 with the caption: "Ex-Chief of Air Staff Sadique, Ruling APC Recruit 1000 Militants, Political Thugs, ahead of Bauchi Governorship Election" in the said publication, you alleged that Air Marshal Abubakar Sadiq (Rtd) recruited Militants and Thugs ahead of Bauchi Governorship Election,” a letter from his lawyer, Ishaq Magaji read.
“It was further reported by you that "A Colonel in the Nigerian Army, who spoke on condition of anonymity", stated to you that Sadique and APC had recruited over 1000 foot soldiers with arms to destabilise parts of the state perceived as opposition stronghold.” This is a very serious allegation capable of tarnishing the hard-earned reputation of our Client, who spent 42 years of his life at field taking the battle against insurgency with enormous energy and sacrifice for the overall peace of the Country.
“Consequently, your publication portrayed our Client as a Thug. Thereby, exposed him to hate and ridicule from the peace-loving people of Bauchi State, Nigerian Citizens and the International Community.
“Our Client was the Chief of Air Staff of Nigeria from July 2015 to sometime in the year 2021, a former Ambassador of Nigeria to Chad Republic and Currently the Bauchi State Gubernatorial Candidate of APC in the forthcoming General election. Your publication is not only false but malicious and an attempt to mar the reputation of our Client.
“We hereby demand that you retract your publication with a public apology to our Client within seven (7) days of receiving this letter and a public apology to be published in two national dailies in Nigeria. Take notice that if you fail, neglect and/or refuse to publish the apology within seven (7) days from today, we shall not hesitate to commence legal action against you for DEFAMATION.”