THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State has expressed concern on the high scale and recurring deployment of violence against rival political parties by the agents of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State.
The party worry stemmed from the violent attack against its members at Odokoro Gbede during a campaign tour of Ijumu local government area.
The party in a statement by the zonal chairman of the Kogi west chapter, Taiwo Kola-Ojo, on Thursday, said that on the entry of the campaign train into Odokoro, the community of origin of the administrator of the Local Government, Taofik Isah, road barricades were mounted to prevent entry, while stones were hauled at party faithful as they arrived the barricades.
According to him, two vehicles belonging to party members were destroyed, one of which belonged to Hon Abiodun Ojo, a former commissioner in the state, and currently Zonal Campaign Director of the party.
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He said, “Going by the account, chairs and venue materials, positioned for the reception of the campaign train was destroyed, just as campaign posters belonging to PDP candidates were removed.
“The party wondered how state officials who are considered as the chief security officers of their domains have now transmuted into chief co-ordinators of violence, and have become terrors and tormentors instead of protectors and defenders”.
The party called on Nigerians to take note of the happenings in Kogi State, where candidates of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Action Democratic Congress (ADC) and PDP have at various times and in various locations been attacked by agents of the APC.
While commending the Police Area Commander, Kabba and the Divisional Police Officer, Ayetoro Gbede, for stepping in quickly to rescue its members, the party appealed to the Police to bring to book the persons that have been identified in the attack against its members.
The party enjoined the Police and other security agents to always bear in mind that their obligations are towards all Nigerians and not to the ruling party or particular government officials.
However, reacting to the allegation, the director general, media and publicity to the state governor, Kingsley Fanwo, has slammed the PDP for “spreading fake news and levelling reckless accusations against the Governor over claims of attacks in the State”.
He said the PDP was merely “wailing over its imminent defeat in the State”.
“The people of Kogi State do not believe them anymore after the chains of lies leading to the Presidential rally in the State. Kogi people are well informed and will not subscribe to cheap and unintelligent propaganda by the People’s Democratic Party.
“We have remained mute because we don’t want them to distract us. We are doing serious consultation across Kogi State to win at the polls freely and fairly. We have gone around the nooks and crannies of the State and we are getting more prepared by the day for the final funeral of the PDP in Kogi State.
“It is laughable and profoundly stupefying that PDP is alleging APC of breeding thugs ahead of the election”.
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