''Unwarranted search of Edwin Clark's home is a threat to our democracy'' - Saraki

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has condemned the search carried out on the home of elderstatesman, Chief Edwin Clark.

Four police men yesterday stormed the Abuja home of Clark and carried out an unauthorized search.

In a statement released this afternoon, Saraki said the search of the former Minister who is very vocal in expressing his views, is a threat to our democracy. Read his statement below

The unwarranted harassment of Chief Edwin Clark, who is known for being very vocal in expressing his views on national issues, at a time when the nation is preparing for elections does not reflect well on the country. Such actions constitute a threat to democracy.

Chief Clark, who is also a Second Republic Senator and former minister under the General Gowon administration is not above the law. If there is a genuine reason for his home to be searched by law enforcement agencies, nobody will object to it. However, as it appears now, for the Police to conduct a raid on the home of a man of that age on the pretence that they were looking for arms and eventually — the claim turned out to be a hoax — means that something is amiss.

These actions represent a gross abuse of state institutions.

Now that the Inspector General of Police has denied that the raid was never authorized, the next move should be a thorough, transparent investigation into the Senator Edwin Clark incident to prevent future reoccurrences.

These kinds of ugly developments must stop. This country experienced a peaceful change in 2015 because the government in power allowed democracy to work. If the government had allowed the flagrant abuse and misuse of state institutions to be the norm, we would not have had the change that occurred.

Democracy is not only about elections. Circumstances that will create tension in any part of the country or make people feel that their fundamental human rights are being trampled upon should be avoided.

If a man of the caliber and status of Senator Edwin Clark can suffer such an unwarranted raid on his home, then what will happen to ordinary Nigerians as we move towards the 2019 polls and beyond?