March 9 Guber Polls: Gov Tambuwal Raises Alarm, Seeks US’ Intervention
Ahead of the March 9 gubernatorial and State Houses of Assembly elections, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has appealed to United States government to intervene and prevent what he called, ‘alleged harassment of electorate’ by agents of the rulling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government.
Speaking when he received the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Stuart Symington, in Sokoto on Thursday, Governor Tambuwal accused the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration of using security agencies to intimidate key opposition figures in the State
The former Speaker of the House of Representatives, who is seeking re-election as governor on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is being challenged by his former deputy, Ahmed Aliyu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor informed the America envoy that the February 23 Presidential and National Assembly Elections was characterised by harassment of PDP leaders and loyalists across the State.
He stated that many PDP leaders and members were hounded and arrested by security agencies on the election day, adding; “Our appeal is to ensure the electorate in whatever political parties are not intimidated or terrorised.”
According to Governor Tambuwal, “Because our people were intimidated to the extent of failing to discharge their civic duties in the remaining elections, scheduled for March 9, 2019. As such, I want to appeal to the US envoy to call on the Nigerian government to allow the will of the people be granted during the forthcoming Governorship and State House of Assembly 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.”
While thanking the American Ambassador for the visit, he described it as timely and important for the peace and development of democracy in the state and Nigeria in General.
In his remarks, Ambassador Symington said his visit to Sokoto State was meant to encourage and promote peace throughout the electioneering period and beyond.
He told the governor that; “There is no any development that can come without peace” adding; “So I appeal on all stakeholders and the good people of Sokoto to ensure peaceful polls.” come Saturday, March 9, 2019. -NAN
