Date Published: 03/14/10

Sir,

Kidnappings at National and State levels

If at State levels we are accusing some of the governors of arranging kidnappings, how can we describe this one in which our First Lady, Hajiya Turai, has kidnapped our President. Whether President Yar’Adua was forced on us or not, we are all helpless because we cannot see him as long as he remains in captivity. What a terrific and special kidnapping!

The security agencies do not need to look or search to know who has kidnapped President Yar’Adua, because Professor Wole Soyinka’s statement has made it easy. Our first lady is brave and holding all of us to ransom. Let those State governors who have been in the habit of arranging kidnapping of political opponents stand to be counted without shame because now it is permissible as exemplified by our First Lady. Those State governors do not need to look for alibi any longer or pretend because kidnapping is now an accepted norm. Ransoms they pay should account as part of their security votes. It is now allowed. The only difference between our President’s issue and that at the States’ level is that we need not pay ransom in cash to secure his release. He can only be released when the captor feels it is appropriate.

Alhaji Mutum Bello, 1 Bello Close, Bukuru, Jos, Plateau State