By Hashim Makama Sani, Jos
The former Deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Obadiah Mailafia has again appeared at the Department of State Service (DSS) headquarters in Jos, the plateau state capital following a third invitation.
Dr. Mailafia in a interview with our correspondent however said he was misquoted over his earlier comments about the killings in southern Kaduna, while commending the DSS for their professional handling of the development.
Mailafia said his comments on the attacks in Southern Kaduna could be regarded as wake up call to government.
“For me, it was a matter of the greatest urgency. But I needed to make a wake up call with regards to what is happening in this country. I didn’t really mean to say the government are part of the killers. I imply that they could do better.
“When I said I am going to the Lions den, it is an expression of respect to the authority. The DSS is a symbol of authority, so I did not mean it in a negative way.
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“The gentlemen of the DSS are among the best people we have in this country. They are very professional, highly qualified, many of them with PhDs and I am very proud of who they are. I have nothing but the highest respect for them.
Mailafia opined that he could have followed those that hinted him the alleged story, but might not have lived to also tell it.
“But if I had my ways, I would have put it in better language. And I had no way of corroborating some of those things. I heard it, I couldn’t have followed them to their camp to confirm because I might not come back to tell the story,” he said.
Responding on the allegation that his life was in danger, Mailafia added:
“I have reasons to believe that my life has been in danger. I have no conclusive proof but I get threats and calls. Where I was staying, on Thursday, at midnight, there were some strange people at the gate trying to break in.
“I had to scale through the fence and escape for my life. I don’t know who they are. They could be criminals, bandits, hired assassins. I have been told that some powerful elements have hired assassins to eliminate me,” Mailafia said.
Mailafia noted that he has been complying with the security agencies and would always avail himself when invited.
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