Following the claim made by ‘Common Sense’ Senator, Ben Murray Bruce as regards being prevented by the Department of State Services, DSS, from greeting the President at the dinner organised to mark the 2016 Democracy Day celebration, Senator Shehu Sani has offered a counter opinion.
Recall that Senator Ben Bruce wrote on his social media page: “I was at the Presidential villa today. Went to the President’s table. DSS wouldn’t allow me greet him but let another Senator greet him!,”
In reply to the claim, Senator Shehu Sani wrote:
“We met with Mr President at the Villa yesternight. He was frank and blunt with us and we were honest with him.He addressed us, and those nominated to speak responded, raised issues and asked questions of which he answered. I actually wanted to speak but I was not so lucky.
I was surprised to learn that one of us later disclosed that he was prevented by security agents from coming close to Mr President. I personally experienced NO such. And I don’t think Mr President can bar any legislature from coming close to him for holding different opinion on National issues. I always have an independent mind and will always speak my mind when there is the need to do so; For decades, Mr President knows me for that and still respect me for that. Its not everything the security agents does that Mr President will know.
Mr President address to us was comprehensive and satisfying. Wishing him Lord’s blessings and good health in this historic mission to rebuild our great country. PMB is a leader we most need and deserve at this time.”