REBUTTAL ON M.E.N’S STATEMENT, SETTING THE RECORDS STRAIGHT

PRESS STATEMENT

REBUTTAL TO M.E.N’s STATEMENT ON THE ALLEGED ASSAULT OF SELCUM, SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT.

The attention of the management of Kwali Area Council has been drawn to a disingenuous press statement on the alleged assault of a staff member of the Area Council.

It is important to address the claims made in the press statement alleging a “brutal assault” on Mr. Changla Nimshat Selcum, a grade level 6 officer in the Area Council by Hon. Danladi Chiya, the Executive Chairman of Kwali Area Council.

This statement is not only riddled with inconsistencies and unverified claims but also appears to be politically motivated with the intent of damaging the reputation of the Chairman and creating unnecessary public tension.

The Council categorically denies this false accusation and wish to set the record straight.

1. Lack of Verifiable Evidence

The press statement fails to provide any concrete evidence—such as medical reports, video footage, or independent eyewitness accounts—confirming that Mr. Selcum was assaulted.

In today’s digital age, where mobile devices and CCTV cameras are in commonplace such as the Council Secretariat; a claim of a “brutal attack” without a single piece of verifiable proof raises serious doubts about its credibility.

Furthermore, it is suspicious that no formal police report has surfaced regarding the incident. If a physical assault truly occurred, the natural legal course of action would be to file an official complaint with law enforcement, yet there is no record of such a complaint against Hon. Chiya.

2. Contradictory and Exaggerated Claims

The statement accuses the Chairman of initiating an attack but simultaneously claims he was “restrained by the Head of Department (HOD).” If he was prevented from taking part in the alleged beating, how can he be accused of direct physical assault? This contradiction undermines the credibility of the allegations.

Moreover, the claim that security aides acted on the Chairman’s direct orders is purely speculative. Security personnel have defined roles and procedures to follow; they do not engage in physical assault based on verbal instructions without clear justification. If such an incident occurred, independent investigations—not biased press statements—should determine culpability.

3. Drunkenness and Unruly Behaviour of Changla Nimshat Seclum

It is important to draw the attention of the general public to the drunkenness and unruly behavior of the allegedly assaulted staff. On Monday morning, Mr Seclum arrived the office in an intoxicated state, exhibiting disruptive behavior even during a panel of the management of his Department who had invited him to inquire his erratic and unprofessional approach to the minimum wage matter. His verbal confrontations on the management was suspicious and in clear violation of workplace ethics and cannot be unconnected to this misleading allegation. (A video of Mr Seclum in a drunken state is hereby attached for public perusal.)

Apart from several verbal queries, Seclum has one official query in his file. His salaries have once been stopped for four months owing to unjustifiable absenteeism from work amongst several unruly behaviors toward his superiors. The general public must understand that these mannerisms are unethical and against the civil service rule and the Council shall continue to do its best to ensure that established rules are obeyed.

4. Mischaracterization of Events

The claim that Mr. Selcum was assaulted “for merely exercising his constitutional right to demand the implementation of the minimum wage” is misleading and an oversimplification of labor relations in government institutions. Implementation of the minimum wage follows legal and administrative processes, not personal confrontations.

The fact that Mr. Selcum is NOT a member of union executives and still a junior staff member, he should have channeled  his grievances through appropriate channels, including formal complaints to NULGE or NLC or legal action, rather than social media agitation or confrontational behavior regarding wage implementation.

5. Unsubstantiated Allegations of Ethnic Discrimination

The statement also alleges that Mr. Selcum was told to “go to Plateau State” because he is not from Kwali. These untrue accusations are highly inflammatory and can incite ethnic tensions. However, no independent witnesses have come forward to corroborate these claims, and no official complaint has been made regarding discrimination.

It is dangerous and irresponsible to inject ethnic bias into a labor-related dispute. This only serves to distract from the core issues and fuel unnecessary divisions within the community.

6. Politically Motivated Allegations

Given the timing and nature of this press statement, it is reasonable to question whether these allegations are politically motivated. Government officials often face baseless accusations from opposition groups, disgruntled employees, or individuals seeking personal or political gain. Without substantial evidence, this statement appears to be an attempt to tarnish the reputation of Hon. Chiya rather than a genuine pursuit of justice.

7. Proper Legal and Institutional Channels Must Be Followed

If Mr. Selcum truly believes he was assaulted, the correct course of action is to file a formal complaint with law enforcement and allow due process to take its course. A press statement filled with unverified claims does not constitute legal proof and should not be treated as such. It is important to stress that the misjudgement of MEN is premeditated and calls for fair hearing. Ordinarily, the movement should have heard from the other party involved before writing a statement that is qualified for libel.

DEMAND

Since the allegations in the press statement are unsubstantiated, contradictory, and appear to be politically motivated. Without verifiable evidence, no reasonable conclusions can be drawn, and calls for legal action against Hon. Chiya remain premature and unjustified. It is imperative that facts, not speculation, guide public discourse on matters of governance and accountability.

The Council demands an unreserved apology from both Mr Changla and Movement for Emancipation of Nigeria and NULGE within 24 hours, failure to which the Council shall take legal action for libel and defamation. The Council will vigorously pursue all available remedies to protect the reputation and integrity of the Chairman and the Area Council.

For clarity and transparency, the Council is open to any official investigation into the alleged matter to establish the truth. The Management will continue to promote accountability, discipline and respect for due process in all matters concerning the administration and staff of the Council.

The Chairman remains committed to transparency, due process, and the well-being of Kwali Area Council employees. Any grievances should be addressed through appropriate legal and administrative channels rather than through unverified public accusations.

Emmanuel Habila

Head of Information and Public Relations

FCAC/KWAC/IPR-1998/ VOL. I

February 11, 2025.