Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has appealed to the United States Government to intervene against alleged harassment of the electorate in Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly elections.
Tambuwal made the appeal when he received the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, in Sokoto, yesterday.
He told Symington that the after just-concluded presidential and National Assembly elections, leaders and loyalists of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) were harassed in the state.
“Our appeal is to ensure the electorate in whatever political parties are not intimidated or terrorised because our people were intimidated; to the extent that they may fail to discharge their civic duties in the remaining elections scheduled for March 9.
“As such, I want appeal to the US envoy to call on the Nigerian government to allow the will of the people be granted during the forthcoming elections.
“The opposition has engaged in post-election violence, with attacks on citizens and razing many properties and houses within and outside the metropolis in the state, in a show of terror against perceived opponents and non-partisan members of the public.” he said.
Earlier, Symington said he was in Sokoto to encourage more peaceful atmosphere throughout the electioneering period and beyond.
“There is no development that can come without peace, so, I appeal to all stakeholders and the good people of Sokoto to ensure peaceful polls,” he said.