Alex Badeh: Atiku reveals cause of ex-Defence chief’s death, tells Buhari what to do

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),
Atiku Abubakar, has said the assassination of former Chief of Defence
Staff, Alex Badeh should be blamed on rising insecurity in the
country.

Badeh, a four-star General of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), was shot
dead on Tuesday along Abuja-Keffi Road.

Atiku, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Assistant on
Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said had gunmen not waylaid the
vehicle in which Alex Badeh was travelling, he would not have
sustained the gunshots and the health complications that terminated
his life.

Abubakar said while Badeh's death made headline news because of the
personality involved, many ordinary Nigerians are either killed or
maimed on a daily basis by rampaging armed robbers, kidnappers,
herdsmen and hoodlums across the country.

The former vice president noted that the best tribute that President
Muhammadu Buhari can pay to the late security chief is to ensure free
and fair polls next year and return home to a well-deserved rest.

The statement read: "We cannot continue to pretend that all is well
with the security system in our country, where armed robbers seem to
be having a field day.

"It is, therefore, time to look at credible options, especially
electing a more prepared candidate who will ensure that policemen and
women are well equipped and motivated. Fortunately, the People's
Democratic Party (PDP) had shown what can be achieved when the police
are provided with adequate resources and are well motivated.

"It is no longer news that during the 16 years when the PDP was in
power, the nation boasted of the better motivated, best equipped and
best-mobilized policemen in the country.

"We are shocked and saddened by the circumstances of the death Mr
Badeh, an air chief marshal, whom was a fine officer, among the best
of his time, one who never lost touch with officers and men despite
holding several top positions in the nation's military establishment."

Abubakar further prayed that God will grant repose to Badeh's soul and
comfort those he left behind.