Elder statesman, Edwin Clark, says he has forgiven the police for the invasion of his residence in search of firearms.
He made the statement on Saturday when Senator Shehu Sani visited him in Abuja.
Four policemen raided the house on Tuesday on a tipoff from an informant who alleged that he was told by a taxi driver that there were arms in Clark’s house.
Three of the policemen have been dismissed on the orders of the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, while the fourth is undergoing investigation.
Mr Idris has also scrapped the police unit that carried out the search
Clark said he decided to forgive those who searched his house in the interest of peace and the fact that the police had apologised.
“I have forgotten all that since the inspector general has apologised to me through a very powerful delegation; I have forgiven them in the interest of Nigeria.
“If I do not, there are people who are very willing to cause trouble and I do not want that to be done in my name.
“I have also appealed to my youths, my children at home who gathered at Yenagoa in Bayelsa, who were very upset to be peaceful,” he said.
Clark added that the incident was aimed at discrediting the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government.
He said, “coming to search my house was not a problem, but if it was not properly planned, or with an intention, just to embarrass me and the government then there is a concern.
“Whatever you do, if it fails, it affects the government of President Buhari, if it succeeds perhaps it will go on.”
He said it was unthinkable for him at his age and consistent call for peace, to stockpile arms.
Sani said he was in the house to express concern over the incidence.
“I am pleased that the police have taken action.
“I will call on you as a father to accept the apology of the police and also to do everything possible to work and express your opinion so that advantage should not be taken on this issue.
“You are not an elder statesman for a section of the country. You have fought for the peace and unity of this country.
“You are a repository of history of this country; you know what happened yesterday you know what is happening today and we will still need you for the future of this country,” Sani said.
