Nigerian journalist, Ahmad Salkida, who made major healines few
weeks ago after he was declared wanted by the President Muhammadu
Buhari-led federal government over an exclusive video he obtained from
Boko Haram, has accused the Nigerian government of rendering him
homeless, saying he felt duped into speaking well of the government
after he was declared wanted by the Army.
Below is what he wrote on Twitter;
"What kind of Govt will declare a citizen wanted for doing
nothing but journalism, ruined my life and that of my family. Govt just
said it was a misunderstanding, but to hell with you, you are on your
own. What kind of Govt will do this to a harmless patriotic citizen?
"My life is ruined, I have been rendered homeless, I have been
told that I have NO rights at all, my family is scared, my crime is
journalism.
"I have been silent, I have given leaders the benefit of doubt,
but now it is time to fight back while I can. My life is in DANGER!!!!
"The last one month has been one of the most difficult in my
life, the threat to my life is more serious than what is in the public
domain.
"I was made to say all was well. I thought they were going to
undo what they have done, but it’s clear the plot is to ruin my life
completely,” Mr. Salkida said on Twitter moments ago.
Salkida’s comment elicited mostly sympathetic reactions from
Nigerians. A human rights activist and social critic, Kayode Ogundamisi,
said Salkida committed a “big mistake” when he came out to “cover up” for government.
“We all knew it was highly unlikely that the Nigerian security
agencies or soldiers, for that matter, would treat someone they’ve been
looking for in such a nice manner as painted by Mr. Salkida after his
release.
"Even if he were, he shouldn’t have come out in that blistering
way. I have not seen a naive action of such a scale in a long time,” Ogundamisi said.
Ogundamisi said Salkida was now trapped in the country and at risk of being abducted by Boko Haram, or even face worse ordeals.
“Let’s face it, this gentleman came to Nigerian on an emergency
travel certificate,” Mr. Ogundamisi said. “Not only would it be very
difficult for him to travel out of the country again to meet his family,
he would also have to start spending his days watching his back because
Boko Haram would most likely be on his trail.”
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