OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, GCFR, PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE UNWHOLESOME ATTITUDE OF SOME APC STALWARTS IN THE EVENTS LEADING TO THE UP-COMING STATE LEGISLATURE BYE-ELECTION AT BAKURA CONSTITUENCY OF ZAMFARA STATE.
Mr President Sir,
You will recall that the seat of the Zamfara State House of Assembly for Bakura ward in the state became vacant early this year following the passing away of Alhaji Tukur Jekada Birnin Tudu. The Independent National Electoral Commission finally fixed the 5th of December this year for a bye-election to fill the vacant position of which today, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as the ruling Party in the state and the All Progressive Congress (APC) as the main opposition party are, invariably, the major contenders. Both Political Parties have presented candidates for the vacant position. All campaigns by contestants were billed to end by the end of Thursday, the 3rd of December, 2020.
Your Excellency, the People’s Democratic Party, having penetrated all the nooks and crannies of the constituency in its campaign, decided to crown it with a grand-finale at Bakura Town on Thursday, the 3rd of December, 2020. Hence, In line with the provision of Section 101 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), the Party applied to the relevant authorities for clearance to do so which was granted to us accordingly.
The PDP erected its rally stand since the 25/11/2020 and left them erected in order to be used on the 3/12/2020. In what appeared to be an organised crime, the APC under former Governor Abdulazeez Yari, instructed its thugs to destroy all the tents erected by PDP and replaced same with their own. This happened at about 12:30 am on 3/12/2020.
When the supporters of PDP started trooping to the venue of their rally they came across APC thugs who were well armed with dangerous weapons including but not limited to daggers, axes, cutlasses bows and arrows and dane guns chatting war songs, uncomplimentary remarks and innuendos with a view to incite disturbance of public peace against the PDP supporters.
In an attempt to curtail the impending violence, the AIG Police Sokoto Zone, in a live broadcast, suspended all the political parties from further campaigns, this was also complemented by imposing 24 hours curfew in both Bakura Local Government and its neighbouring Talata Mafara Local Government Council.
Suddenly, Abdul Aziz Yari Abubakar, Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi (both former Governors of Zamfara State), Aminu Sani Jaji and Sani Gwamna Mayanchi arrived the venue of the campaigns rally in clear violation of the suspension of the rally and the curfew imposed. What is even worrisome is the kind of official armoury accompanying the former Governor which calls for investigation as to how he managed to secure this kind of undue privilege obvioysly from official qwaters. These are weapon vehicles that the state so much need but does not have them in the fight against banditry.
Your Excellency, information reaching us from impeccable sources indicate that the APC in the state has concluded plans to disrupt peaceful elections in at least six wards in the constituency just as there is strong indication that some special forces of the Nigeria Police are billed to be deployed to the elections areas with clear directives to give cover and support the atrocities planned by the APC supporters on election day. Zamfara State Your Excellency, needs more Police support, especially special operation forces to fight banditry, not to help in rigging elections.
Another point of note, Your Excellency, is the ploy to further generate tension and apprehension by Abdulazeez Yari group for inviting various state Governors, Senators and other dignitaries to come into the state and participate in the elections. The elections at Bakura is a local issue that should best be left for the two Parties in the state to slug it out and test their popularity with the local people, especially the members of APC led by Abdulazeez Yari who goes out spreading lies about his popularity in order to deceive your person and indeed, the National leadership of the APC.
In any case, Your Excellency, the arrival and subsequent comments of these APC stalwarts no doubt motivated APC thugs to start wanton destruction of lives and property of any perceived PDP supporters. This resulted in the killing of 2 identified PDP supporters. More so, a bakery and several houses were set ablaze including the house of District Head of Dakko and his vehicles.
Sir, it is no longer news that Zamfara State is suffering from criminal activities ranging from cattle rustling and banditry. The acts of the APC stalwarts has fueled crisis in the area thereby sending more danger signals in the forthcoming coming bye election under reference.
It is our belief that the wanton destruction of lives and property of PDP supporters in Bakura Local Government Council was directly instigated by APC stalwarts mentioned above and should be held responsible for any further breakdown of law and order.
We so much respect the rule of law, as a result we warned our supporters not to take the law into their hands.
Sir, knowing your passion for good governance and relentless drive towards the attainment of peace and tranquility anywhere in the country, we urge you to immediately address these issues to curtail any further bloodshed and destruction of property. Your Excellency, the country should hold the above mentioned persons responsible for the crimes committed. Bringing the culprits to book will also serve as deterrent to others.
Signed:
Sen. Lawal Hassan Daniya (Cigarin Sarkin Zamfara Anka)
Zamfara West,
Chairman PDP Bakura State Constituency Bye-election Committee, 2020
