Tinubu’s Military Intimidation Claims Not True- Report

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National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has alleged that the federal government is deploying the military to intimidate him.

According to Tinubu, his Bourdillon, Ikoyi Lagos residence has been put under surveillance by battle-ready and helmet-wearing soldiers for three days but declared “I will not be intimidated by this show of strength, intimidation and possible harassment.”

In a statement by his media officer Sunday Fadare, Tinubu explained that for three straight days, his private residence has been under surveillance by battle-ready and helmet-wearing soldiers numbering close to thirty and riding in three patrol vans and an army trucks stationed close to the entrance of his gate

The statement reads in part: “Their obvious target, Tinubu himself, and perhaps the hordes of politicians and visitors that visit his Bourdillon residence.

“The soldiers were first noticed on Sunday a few minutes to 11pm in an Army truck. They stationed about 500 meters away from Tinubu’s gate. Later they moved close to his gate as if making efforts to enter. The stern looking soldiers were around for hours on Sunday and returned on Monday to continue their surveillance.

“Monday night about 10.45pm, they returned to the residence in two army vans and were there throughout the night. Some of the soldiers discharged from the van and walked back and forth in front of the house and around the house in what is clearly some casing effort.

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“This morning, (yesterday) Tuesday, two vans from the army were stationed on both sides of the house along Bourdillon road their missions shrouded in secrecy.”

However, a confirmation visit paid by Premiumtimes to Tinubu’s home on Tuesday evening revealed that there was no presence of military personnel on the Bourdillon road, save for an empty van belonging to the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, parked outside the compound.

An unarmed police officer sat at the gate, while the evening breeze rocked gently giant posters of Mr. Tinubu and that of his wife, Oluremi (who is seeking a second term at the Senate), stationed outside the fence.

According to the report by Premiumtimes, the visitors kept watch outside Mr. Tinubu’s Bourdillon, Ikoyi, home between 5.00 p.m. and 6.00 p.m. on Tuesday. A bus filled with what looked like party supporters was parked outside the gate.
A man seen outside Mr. Tinubu’s home however said he saw “just two army officers” earlier Tuesday and not a truck filled with soldiers. He said the two personnel later left.
At the road median outside Mr. Tinubu’s home, campaign posters of President Jonathan were hung on lamp holders. Vehicular traffic along Bourdillon Road flowed freely.