*Zulum and Atom magira
The Nigerian police have detained Atom Magira, a chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), over alleged criticism of Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum.
Magira’s personal assistant, Mohammed Yahaya, confirmed that he was taken into custody by operatives of the Borno State Police Command on Sunday night.
Magira, a former All progressives Congress, APC, gubernatorial aspirant in 2019 elections, is a foremost opposition voice in the state.
He has been very vocal against some of the policies of Governor Babagana Zulum.
Acccodring to Daily Nigerian, insider sources said that Mr Magira was detained over a billboard sponsored by the supporters of “YES TO MERGER”, calling for a merger of all the political parties in the state.
The billboard with “Say Yes To Merger” inscription carrying the picture of Mr Magira was later destroyed by unknown persons.
“It is on the orders of the state government. They don’t want a serious opposition in the state. Whoever will do that will be crippled; that’s the norm since 1999, but Magira has remained consistent to offer a credible and constructive opposition in Borno State,” a source alleged.
As of Monday morning, Magira remains in detention, with no clarity on whether he will be charged to court.
Efforts to reach ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, the Police Public Relations Officer, for comment were unsuccessful./Agency///
