From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri, Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja And Joe Effiong, Uyo
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the All Progressive Congress (APC) of masterminding alleged attacks on its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, during his campaign in Maiduguri, yesterday.
PDP Presidential Campaigns spokesman, Senator Dino Melaye, accused the ruling APC of instigating thugs to disrupt its campaign.
“They are afraid of us, they sent their thugs to attack us even along the Shehu’s palace,” Malaye said in both Hausa and English languages.
He also alleged that the windscreen of some vehicles used by some party chieftains and supporters were broken by the thugs.
He claimed that 74 persons were hospitalised in the state capital following the attack.
Though as at press time, the exact venue of the attacks was not clear, clips shown by a major television network and online photographs showed windscreens of some the campaign vehicles which were shattered.
But the APC has debunked the claim, insisting that PDP rally was not attacked by its members or political thugs.
State Chairman of the party, Bukar Dalori said he was disappointed at the PDP over its claim.
“We all know that since Governor Babagana Zulum took over the mantle of leadership, he banned all forms of thuggery in the state. Our ruling party is a law-abiding political party, and that is why we as government did not deny PDP a venue for its rally as experienced in some states.
“All I know is that there is no PDP in Borno, and if Melaye lacks what to tell the people of Borno to get their votes, he should desist from fabricating lies against our party,’’ Dalori said.
Notwithstanding the rebuttal, The PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the attack on its campaign train confirmed alleged frustration of the APC over the popularity of Atiku in Borno State and the North East.
The opposition party claimed the attack was consistent with APC’s “habitual resort to violence in the face of rejection by the people as also witnessed in the attack on the PDP’s presidential campaign rally in Kaduna State on October 17.”
The PDP stated that the attacks on its campaigns is contrary to the Peace Accord it signed on September 28, and constitutes a portent danger to 2023 general elections and the country’s democracy.
“Our party is not daunted and cannot be deterred by cowardly attacks by the APC as Nigerians are already connected with the PDP’s issue-based campaign in the mission to rescue, rebuild and redirect our nation from the asphyxiating misrule of the APC.
“The PDP calls on President Muhammadu Buhari and the Inspector General of Police to take immediately take action to arrest this constant incidence of violence being unleashed by the APC on PDP campaign activities. It should be noted that a continuing violence by the APC can result in a situation where other parties might be encouraged to resort to self-help.
“Once again, we call on President Buhari, as a matter of urgency and consistent with his oath of office, to call the members of his party, the APC, to order in the interest of the nation, our democracy and the electoral process. Enough is Enough,” the party stated.
•Police react
Like the APC, the state Police Command has also dismissed claim of attack at the presidential campaign rally, describing the video of purported attack at the Ramat Square as false, mischievous, fake, a hoax and an attempt by some unguided people to incite disturbances and disrupt peaceful coexistence of people of the state.
“There has been a fake news circulating,” the Police Public Relations Officer, Sani Kamilu said.
He explained that the rally was conducted successfully under tight and adequate security coverage. He said nobody had reported any case of attack to any police station within Maiduguri and Jere.
“We also went round hospitals to ascertain the claim that more than 74 persons were hospitalised, but no such patient was found. The candidate was accompanied to the Shehu of Borno’s palace after which he was accompanied to the Ramat Square where he addressed his supporters.
“The Commissioner of Police, Mr Abdu Umar, was also at the venue to ensure that everything went on successfully.
“However, one Danladi Abbas (32) was arrested on Airport Road, Maiduguri, for throwing stones at the motorcade of the presidential candidate.
“Abbas and other hoodlums attempted to disrupt the motorcade, but they were chased and luckily one of them was arrested and taken away for questioning.’’
•Atiku pledges to resume oil prospecting, tackle insecurity in N’East
Meanwhile, Atiku has promised to resume oil prospecting around the Lake Chad and tackle insecurity in the northeast.
“The issues of resumption of oil exploration in the Lake Chad, revitalization of the Chad Basin, insecurity and infrastructural development as raised by the Shehu of Borno when I visited him, are important to our party. I promise to do all these, tackle insecurity and construct more roads in the northeast if I become the president of Nigeria.”
He said he was more prepared to lead the country out of the current security, economic and social challenge. He also assured he will invest in agriculture through the revival of the Lake Chad.
Atiku noted that agriculture remains a major provider of employment. He said he will used agriculture to tackle food insecurity, hunger and other vices.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta and Atiku’s running mate, lauded massive turnout of supporters at the campaign, adding that the party has always recieved similar show of love across Nigeria. He urged the party faithful to vote for the party.
Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto and the Director-General of the campaign organisation,said the choice of the state for the campaign launch was based on its PDP large supporters’ base.
Director General, PDP Presidential Campaign Council and governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwa said his party was prepared to serve Nigeria and Nigerians.
PDP governorship candidate, Mohammed Jajari, accused the state government and APC of intolerance of opposition and obstructing its campaigns
“They removed almost all the tricycles out of the state capital to obstruct our supporters from coming to the campaign ground. They even blocked roads leading to the capital from the local governments and prevented our people from attending the campaign,” he claimed.
The state PDP governorship candidate, Alhaji Ali Jajari, urged PDP supporters to remain steadfast and ensure its victory in all election in 2023.
Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintri, Deputy National Chairman (North), Amb Illiya Damagun and other chieftains of the party, were at the rally.
•I’m not resigning as campaign boss –Udom
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, has once again denied rumours that he was planning to resign as chairman of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, on the allegation that the council is
starved of funds.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Ini Ememobong, while reacting to allegation on Monday, had said; “I am not aware of any such threat. The Governor is a gentleman and doesn’t issue threats, he discusses. He is a natural peace builder wherever he finds himself, so we know he is pursuing peace and reconciliation to help the party win.”
Reinforcing the refutal, yesterday, the Skwa state chapter of the Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the PDP, in a statement entitled: “Governor Udom Emmanuel fully committed to the rescue Nigeria, Atiku/Okowa Presidency”, described Emmanuel’s rumoured resignation threat as “wild retrogressive.”
The statement, which was signed by the Borono Bassey, the state publicity secretary, said: “The rumour, which is purely a product of speculative efforts of those who are averse to the enticing idea and beautiful prospects that Nigerians will enjoy under the Atiku/Okowa Presidency from 2023, is coming at a time when millions of Nigerians have admitted to seeing the higher chances of the PDP taking over the reins of power at the Center with His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar as President in 2023.
“Governor Udom Emmanuel has said that at no time has he ever contemplated resigning his position as Chairman of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, stressing that this is a patriotic duty, he owes to Nigerians who are anxiously waiting for the incoming PDP administration to repair the all-round ruins left by the current administration.”