“I Was Victimized By Some Powerful People” – Runsewe Reacts To His Jail Sentence

The Director-General, National Council of Art and Crafts (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe has alleged that some powerful people are behind his current ordeal because they want him removed from office and sent to jail.

KanyiDaily had reported that a federal high court in Abuja ordered that Runsewe should be sent to prison for contempt of the order of court made on December 15, 2017.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Friday, January 10, Runsewe said he is being victimised by some ‘powerful forces’ because of his ‘patriotic desire’ to protect national assets under his watch.

According to him, the Art and Craft village (Opposite Abuja Sheraton) which he preside over, has been turned into a den of criminals, and his refusal to dance to the tune of some powerful people, is the reason why he is being victimized.

Runsewe further expressed determination to continue to serve his country as allowed by the law including protecting Nigerian cultural assets both within and outside Nigeria despite the intimidation against him.

“I will do my best within the ambit of the law to secure and protect Nigerian cultural assets including those outside the shores of Nigeria”, he said.

“The Art and Craft village was turned into a drug den, a holdbay and rented house for hooligans and criminals. The area had been turned to a depot for illegal arms and sundry criminal activities.

“It is a security threat not only to Abuja residents but also to foreigners who engage in early hours exercises through the street in the morning. They were molested by criminals from this location.

“So I wonder why some people are bent on converting government property to a haven of inappropriate engagement. Hence, the police had to close down the place.

“The Art and Craft Village belongs to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It does not belong to me but to the Nigerian people. So I would be failing in my duties as a public officer and appointee of government if I cannot protect government property to which I was mandated to oversee. If the area opens for business, it will provide over 300 jobs to Nigerians and reduce crime rate.”

KanyiDaily recalls that Runsewe made headlines a few months ago after he described Bobrisky as a national disgrace who needs to be ruthlessly dealt with by the government.

He said if Bobrisky’s activities were not promptly curtailed, the resultant effect would be worse than Ebola – the deadly virus that killed thousands in West Africa a few years ago.

In his response, Bobrisky said he rolls with the official’s superiors in government and Runsewe is too small for him to loose sleep over.