A former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Idris Bello Dambazau (Rtd) has been arrested by operatives of Department of State Services (DSS), over what it described as alleged economic sabotage.
General Dambazau who was the Country’s Chief of Army Staff from 2008 to 2010 is the Chairman, Kano State Consumer Protection Council.
A close source said the retired General’s arrest might not be unconnected to his activities as the Chairman Kano State Consumer Protection Council. He allegedly shutdown not less than seven petrol stations without observing due process and principles.
The action is said to be outside of his office jurisdiction. The source also explained that the responsibility of shutting down erring petrol or gas stations lie solely with the Department of Petroleum Resources, (DPR).
“General Dambazau’s action was illegal and a distant pole from the powers conferred on his Consumer Protection Council. Gen. Dambazau’s actions was an attempt to create scarcity in Kano where there was none. And we view this singular act as economics sabotage”, the DSS source said.
The source also said it is worrisome for someone of Gen Dambazau’s standing in society to act clearly against the provisions of Section 48 of the Nigeria Constitution.
This Section states in black and white that any Government Ministry, Department or Agency exercising powers, functions or taking any actions which directly impact on Mainstream or Downstream Petroleum Operations shall consult with the relevant Authority.
Gen. Dambazau failed to comply with this Section by outrightly shutting out the DPR and other relevant Agencies prior to issuing any directives, regulations or enforcement orders.
“Even after consulting with the relevant authority, the authority shall review the recommendations of the Government Ministry, Department or Agency and communicate decisions accordingly”, the DSS source said.
He is not new to controversies of this nature. The former Kano State Commissioner for Special Duties was once under fire for refusing to return three Government vehicles months after leaving office as Commissioner.
