African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has called on the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant security and intelligence agencies to immediately investigate the attack on its Sokoto State governorship candidate, Alhaji Munir Dan Iya, allegedly by operatives of the state-owned security outfit, known as the Sokoto Marshals.
The ADC-PCC in a4 statement by Director, Media and Publicity Kola Ologbondiyan, said Dan Iya was attacked on Friday while returning to the city after accompanying former governor, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, from the airport.
“Several vehicles in the governorship candidate’s convoy were vandalised and extensively damaged by the armed operatives,” the statement added.
It described as disturbing that since the incident happened, operatives of the same security outfit have been stationed at various historic gates into Sokoto metropolis, harassing motorists and targeting vehicles bearing ADC posters, insignia and other party symbols.
ADC-PCC further alleged that two Department of State Services (DSS) personnel attached to ADC governorship candidate were reportedly abducted by the Sokoto Marshals.
“The incident has been formally reported to the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police by Dan Iya himself,” the campaign council stated, describing the attack as reprehensible, provocative and unacceptable, adding that it represents a dangerous descent into state-sponsored thuggery.
The campaign council noted that it was part of a disturbing pattern of political intimidation and violence against ADC members and opposition figures across the country.
It recalled that few weeks ago, similar incidents were reported in Kaduna and other states, stating that the coordinated harassment and attacks against the ADC and other opposition voices constitute a grave violation of democratic principles and the constitutional guarantees of freedom of movement, association and peaceful political participation.
“We are particularly alarmed that a security outfit established and funded with taxpayers’ money is allegedly being transformed into a political militia for intimidating, harassing and attacking perceived political opponents.
“This is not governance. It is banditry in uniform, and it must not be tolerated in a democracy,” the statement added.
The ADC warned that it would no longer sit back and watch its members, leaders and candidates being subjected to intimidation and violence anywhere in Nigeria.
“The era of taking our party for granted, threatening its members and attacking its political structures with impunity is over,” the party stated, adding that while it remains committed to peaceful political engagement and the rule of law, the ADC is fully prepared to defend its members and protect their constitutional rights through every legitimate means available to us.
“No individual or group has a monopoly of violence, intimidation or lawlessness,” it added.
The campaign council demanded the release of the two abducted DSS personnel while those involved in the attack should be arrested and brought to justice.
“We hereby give the relevant authorities 24 hours to rein in these rogue elements, secure the safety of our candidate and members, and commence decisive action to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Failure to do so will leave the leadership of our party with no option but to take further decisive and lawful steps to protect its members, defend its political rights and safeguard our democracy.
“Nigeria cannot afford to descend into an era where state-funded security outfits are deployed as instruments of political persecution.
“The ADC will resist every attempt to silence the opposition through violence and intimidation,” the statement added.
Source: Politics Archives – New Telegraph
