Speaking at a media briefing in Makurdi at the weekend, Audu, who is the Special Adviser to Governor Gabriel Suswam on Legislative Matters, regretted that naval personnel could beat “a law-abiding citizen” into coma.
But in a reaction, Director of Naval Information, Captain Kabir Aliyu, denied the assault claims.
In a statement, Aliyu wrote: “After a thorough investigation, it was discovered that the man who claimed to have been tortured, Anthony Ogbe Okoh was under the influence of alcohol. He misbehaved and constituted a nuisance to all, including the owner of the restaurant and the attention of some Naval personnel was drawn to arrest the situation.”
Also, Public Relations Officer of the Benue State Police Command, Opaluwa Aku confirmed the incident. He said though the matter was reported to a police station, it was yet to be transferred to the State Command Headquarters for detailed investigation.
Audu said that Nigerians expected naval personnel to have learnt their lessons “after the disgraceful episode in Lagos where they assaulted a lady in broad daylight.”
The governor’s aide added: “We are disappointed by the action of the navy personnel who assaulted Mr. Okoh, despite interventions by well-meaning Nigerians at the restaurant. The only way the Navy can restore its respect is to conduct a transparent investigation and sanction the officers and ratings who participated in this unfortunate act.”
Audu, a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman in Benue State, stated that the Naval High Command should be disturbed at the rate of indiscipline being displayed by its officers and ratings, noting that the Nigerian Army and Air Force were hardly involved in the battering of civilians since the nation returned to democracy in 1999.
Read More:http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=29792:governors-aide-navy-differ-over-alleged-assault&catid=1:national&Itemid=559
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