While Nigerians are still in bewilderment over the state of things in some government institutions since President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office, it seems a new entrant has joined the fray. The Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Department of State Services (DSS), etc, seem to have become arms of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

These agencies of government have serially taken it upon themselves to dabble into political disagreements between two opposing politicians and other private individuals. The conduct of the Nigeria Police in the blockade of the residence of Senate President, Bukola Saraki remains fresh in our memory. The blockade of the National Assembly by the DSS and the alleged continuous victimisation of members of opposing parties by the EFCC while ignoring the impunity in the ruling party has been recorded overtime.

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The reported interrogation of the National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole by the DSS is the latest of such acts of disrepute being perpetrated by institutions that should be above political allegiance.

According to news reports, the DSS was petitioned by some state Governors in relation to an alleged bribery perpetrated by Oshiomhole. While bribery is an act of corruption that should be handled by the EFCC or at best the Nigeria Police due to the nature of the offence, the DSS decided to wade into the issue despite the laws establishing the agency has nothing to do with bribery or political disagreement. Apart from taking up this case, the DSS reportedly asked Oshiomhole to resign his position. This is a joke taken too far. This action by the DSS is a red flag as we move towards the 2019 elections.

The federal government under the leadership of President Buhari is advised to rein in its agent that have converted these institutions for political purpose. The survival of these institutions is germane to the sustenance of democracy. The unprofessional conduct of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army since 2015 has been documented severally by international institutions most especially Amnesty International.

If Buhari manages to successfully hamstring these institutions, what happens when he leaves office?

tosin adesina