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Tag: Lamido

  • Wike, Lamido flay poll

    RIVERS State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido have flayed the Ekiti State governorship election.

    Wike, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Electronic Media Simeon Nwakaudu, said the poll was the worst political robbery in the nation’s democratic history.

    The governor said the APC-led Federal Government would not be able to replicate the “Ekiti political robbery in Rivers  State because  Rivers people  are fully  prepared”.

    Wike, who spoke  yesterday at the Anglican  Cathedral Church of Saint Paul, Port Harcourt during the Thanksgiving Service to mark the end of Third Year Anniversary Celebration of his administration, said: “Don’t be worried about what happened in Ekiti State.  We are prepared. It will not happen  here in Rivers State.

    “I have never experienced that kind of robbery in politics.  I told my colleagues, do not give  them any chance. Most of them in APC are happy that they will repeat the same thing in Rivers State. We are waiting, come and repeat. Let your spirit not be down, work hard and victory  will be ours,” he said.

    Lamido, who is the presidential aspirant under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), said: “The election process in Ekiti was heavily militarised; and I know it shouldn’t be a surprise because we are being led by a former military General ,who was also a former military Head of State, who was known for arresting political leaders.

    “Number two, you see, he (Buhari) only says politicians are this, politicians are that, which means he is not a politician.

    “So, I think the election in Ekiti, to me, if it is the wish of the people that is announced as the result, I have no quarrels with it. I hope, also, that this is not the kind of thing we are going to experience in 2019 elections because it will spell doom for democracy.

    “You see, even before the election, there was this acrimony; the atmosphere was very tensed. You see, sending 30,000 policemen to Ekiti for a governorship election is very worrisome.”

    He expressed confidence that PDP will reclaim power in 2019, adding that PDP has learnt from its past mistakes.

  • Arrest, prosecute killer politicians, Lamido tells Buhari

    Former Governor of Jigawa state and presidential aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Sule Lamido on Sunday challenged President Muhammadu Buhari to come out with the names of politicians who he believed are behind the incessant killings in the country and bring them to justice.

    Lamido was reacting to the claims by the Presidency that it has the list of names of politicians who are behind the killings of innocent Nigerians.

    “President Buhari said ‘I know those politicians, who are sponsoring these killings,’ he said so, as the Commander-In-Chief. Now, have they been arrested? Who are they? Name them. People are dying every day, and he knows the killers and they have not been arrested. You press men, please ask him (Buhari) who they are, he should arrest them,” Lamido added.

    The presidential aspirant who spoke to journalists in his Kano residence, insisted that the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) government has failed to deliver in its three-point agenda of security, economy and fighting corruption.

    Lamido who said he has started consultation with PDP stakeholders across the country ahead of the convention regretted that Nigerians have suffered a lot under APC government.

    According to him, “on security, you see, before it were Boko Haram, it has now gone beyond Boko Haram. It is now inter-tribal. It is between Fulani and Fulanis; it is between Hausa and Hausas, between Igbos and Igbos. In Ebonyi it is there, in Zamfara it is there and in Sokoto, it is there.

    “So, you see, today, we are under siege. It means all they key security chiefs appointed by this government have failed to deliver. Nigerians are now sleepless, they are watching, they have so many things in their minds—whether to go for what they know is safety, security and prosperity or to go for this culture of violence which is now defiling Nigeria as a country.”

    Lamido further stated that, “the three factors that they used during their campaign—economy, security and fighting corruption are all zero.

    “How on earth can Buhari go to Danjuma Goje’s house to beg him—Goje who has been arraigned in court! And Buhari preferred to go to him, by that, the Judge should be very very careful, because it means they cannot convict Goje.

    “If Oshiomole after all these noise and ranting will go to Saraki and Tambuwal and beg them, after calling PDP thieves and what have you, which means their fight against corruption is defeated.”

    Speaking on the just concluded Ekiti governorship election, Lamido said, “the election process in Ekiti was heavily militarized; and I know it shouldn’t be a surprise because we are being led by a former military General who was also a former military Head of State, who was known for arresting political leaders.

    “Number two, you see, he (Buhari) only says politicians are this, politicians are that, which means he is not a politician.

    “So, I think the election in Ekiti, to me, if it is the wish of the people that is announced as the result, I have no quarrels with it. I hope, also, that this is not the kind of thing we are going to experience in 2019 elections because it will spell doom for democracy.

    “You see, even before the election, there was this acrimony, the atmosphere was very tensed. You see, sending 30, 000 police men in Ekiti for a governorship election is very worrisome.

    “From what I heard, they said they sent 30, 000 police men, we don’t know the number of other security agencies and para-military. If in 2019, they are sending 30, 000 police men to conduct elections in each state, that means 30, 000 times 36, including Abuja—this is very curious.

    “If this was how that election was conducted, that means they instilled fear in the people. To me, the election has come and gone, it has been conducted and the winner has been declared, I certainly hope that it is the wish of the people that was declared. Let it be the wish of the people that is being declared, simple.”

    He expressed confidence that PDP will reclaim power in 2019, adding that PDP has learnt from its past mistakes.

    According to him, “you see, PDP was in government for 16 years at all the levels, it was PDP. The key players today in APC are also PDP.

    “So, it means we know our mistake; we made a mistake because people who were in PDP left and they were able to conceive the APC; and to that effect, this APC government is our own baby. So, we have this commitment and passion for Nigerians.

    “We have learnt our lessons and we have seen the consequences of our second-eleven being in government—they have no capacity, they have no commitment, and they unleash pains and agony on Nigerians.

    “PDP is a family; it is a family which has a very strong background. It is a family which was built on the reflection of what was Nigeria and the evolution of our great country.”

  • Katsina PDP rejects Atiku, others, backs Lamido

    The Katsina state branch of the Peoples Democratic Party , PDP, on Saturday in Katsina threw its weight behind the Presidential ambition of former Jigawa Governor and Minister of Foreign Affairs ,Dr Sule Lamido in the forth coming party primaries slated for early August this year, thus effectively shutting the door for other aspirants including former vice President ,Alhaji Atiku Abubakar

    The State Chairman of the Party Alhaji Salisu Yusuf Majigiri who made the above declaration during a reception organized for the visiting Presidential aspirant said Lamido has towered above other aspirants especially with his progressive agenda and commitment to a united and peaceful Nigeria

    He said ‘’Lamido has remained a committed and enduring progressive in the last 5o years, who had fought for a strong and united Nigeria, he identified with other progressive minds like Abubakar Rimi, Solomon Lar, Bola Ige, Alex Ekwueme, Iyorchia Ayu and several others in the struggle to liberate Nigeria from ethnic cleavages’’

    ‘’He has equally identified with the common man and ensured their improved standard of living as demonstrated while he was the governor of Jigawa state, we have no choice than to throw our weight behind and assure him of our goodwill and support, hoping that when he comes to power he will remember the state

    Earlier in his address at the occasion, Dr. Lamido said he was in the state to solicit the support of delegates from the state branch of the party for the forthcoming party primaries for Presidential aspirants.

     He further decried the anti corruption campaign of the present administration which he described as one sided and partisan and has turned  President Buhari to see everyone, including opposition parties beside himself as thieves

    Lamido further wondered why President Buhari had to visit former governor of Gombe state, Danjuma Goje who is presently hunted by the EFCC for fraud related cases to solicit for his political support

    He said ’’if Buhari is pure as he claimed why did he court the support of Danjuma Goje who is on trial for corruption, am sure if Barrister Ibrahim Shema, former governor of Katsina dumps PDP today and join APC, his corruption cases in the courts will be dropped .APC is now turning out a haven for everyone with corruptions cases’’

    The reception was attended by party stalwarts from the 34 local government areas of the state, including all the delegates to the forth coming national convention of the party

  • ‘Dutse Airport not a wasteful venture’

    Jigawa State Government said on Tuesday that the construction of the Dutse International Airport in the state capital is not a wasteful venture.

    In particular, the State Government said the airport has not only brought development ; but has assisted in decongesting passenger traffic into Mallam Aminu

    Kano International Airport as well serving alternative airport for pilgrims of the annual Hajj from Borno and Yobe States during the period of insurgency.

    Speaking on behalf of the State Government, General Manager of the Airport, Alhaji Yunusa Abubakar Umar said besides Overland Airways; which operated domestic scheduled flights into the airport, the facility has opened up the state to other parts of the world through seamless air link.

    He said though, the airline has stopped operating flights into the airport, the facility still parades the best air navigation equipment and airport facilities.

    This is just as it called for the administration’s policy of diversification for improved farming activities and promotion of agro allied produce for export by air

    However, he admitted that the airport built by Lamido administration , has not only opened up the state to other parts of the world ; but has facilitated trade and other businesses including movement of farm produce.

    He said though chartered flights operate into the airport, but the facility is grappling with challenges not limited to scheduld operations for movement of farm produce.

    Recall that the Sule Lamido led government had in 2014 signed a memorandum of understanding with Overland Airways to operate commercial flights into the airport thus making it the only airline that had ventured into the airport for two years.

    Speaking on why Overland Airways stopped operations to the airport, the General Manager declared: “lack of passengers and poor patronage made the airline abandoned the airport.

    After the expiration of the MoU between Jigawa State government and Overland Airways, the company recorded a loss forcing it to cancel operations to Dutse airport.

    “Presently, there is no commercial flight operating to our airport. It is only charter flights that have been coming to the airport since the Overland contract with the state government expired.”

    Umar while advising the government to ensure the initial purpose of making the airport a cargo airport was achieved, added: “It could be a very good opportunity for the state and farmers of the region in line with the present administration’s policy of diversification and desire for improved farming activities and promotion of export”.

  • OBASANJO’S COALITION :Mark, Makarfi, Lamido, others weigh options

    OBASANJO’S COALITION :Mark, Makarfi, Lamido, others weigh options

    •New group in secret plot against 11 APC states
    •Ahmadu Ali tipped as CNM chair
    •Anger in PDP over Obasanjo’s overtures to aggrieved PDP leaders
    •Foreign missions open desks

    Several presidential aspirants in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are currently assessing how the Olusegun Obasanjo-inspired Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM) might bolster their chances.

    In this category are  former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso and Alhaji Sule Lamido, The Nation gathered last night.

    However, some PDP leaders and governors are angry with the former president for allegedly trying to lure into the CNM party members who are  aggrieved against the new leadership of the PDP headed by Prince Uche Secondus.

    Multiple sources said the coalition is already plotting against 11 APC states to pave the way for any presidential candidate it might adopt, and may pick a one time National Chairman of the PDP, Colonel Ahmadu Ali, to lead it.

    Apart from the likes of former Osun State governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and ex-Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, no politician of note has openly identified with the CNM since it’s unveiling in Abuja on Wednesday.

    Obasanjo, during his registration as a member of the coalition in Abeokuta on Thursday, said it was not yet a political party and that he would withdraw once it did.

    It was gathered that some politicians who have an eye on the presidency in next year’s election are considering how they might profit from the coalition.

    But they are waiting to see how it evolves and what influence it could wield.

    Known friends of Obasanjo, including Ahmed Makarfi, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Sule Lamido are treading cautiously in their attitude to the CNM.

    Former Senate President, David Mark, is said not to be keen in joining forces with the  coalition.

    Sources said he might drop his presidential ambition.

    A source familiar with the situation said: “I can tell you that some APC governors like Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and PDP leaders, including presidential aspirants like ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Sule Lamido, Ibrahim Shekarau and others are really weighing options before pitching tent with the CNM whose direction is still confusing a year to an election.

    “It is only Shekarau who has told Obasanjo that he cannot leave PDP under any circumstance for CNM. Obasanjo had invited Shekarau penultimate Wednesday to his place and the ex-governor spent a night with him.

    “By Thursday morning, Shekarau made it clear that he would not be part of CNM no matter the bait.

    “He however restated his respect for the ex-President. But he told Obasanjo his readiness to seek the presidential ticket of PDP and pleaded for the support of the statesman.

    When contacted last night, a close source to Shekarau said: “Our principal will remain in PDP; he won’t be part of Obasanjo’s coalition at all.”

    A trusted strategist of Kwankwaso also said: “In as much as Kwankwaso is in favour of a mass movement, he still prefers shifting base to a stronger party like PDP if President Muhammadu Buhari shows interest in APC presidential race. But Kwankwaso has no problem working with Obasanjo, who is his hero.”

    A source in Atiku’s camp said: “Our focus right now is on PDP primaries. If there is need for alignment later with anyone or movement; when we get to the bridge, we will cross it. Don’t forget that APC was also a product of a mass movement and realignment; Atiku will never be opposed to such if it is desirable.”

    A source in Makarfi’s group said: “We are expecting the PDP governors and leaders to appreciate the worth of our principal and concede the party’s presidential ticket to him.”

    A strategist of Tambuwal said: “While we appreciate Obasanjo as a statesman, it is not yet time for politics or joining any movement.”

    A reliable ally of Lamido said: “The ex-Governor of Jigawa State is a party man; he will stick to PDP no matter the outcome of PDP presidential primaries. In 2015, Obasanjo did his best to woo Lamido to APC but he refused. So, I don’t see him joining this movement. “

    Findings also revealed why PDP leaders and some APC governors had been cautious.

    A top source added: “What is not helping matters with CNM is the hidden agenda of the coalition of Obasanjo.

    “Some PDP leaders were told by a few sympathizers of CNM that the ultimate plan is to rely on PDP structure as the main opposition party, woo some APC governors, Senators and members of the House of Representatives, and foster alliance with a few parties to apply for a change of name from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the new merger party. The name will reflect a combination of PDP and others.

    “Having torn PDP membership card, some of the leaders cannot understand why Obasanjo will seek to use its coalition to lure its leaders and members. The CNM wants to destroy PDP and build a new one from its rubbles.

    “The CNM has a dangerous game-plan which will lead to the hijack of PDP from the governors of the party led by Nyesom Wike and the new generation of leaders.”

    A member of NWC said the party’s leadership believes the “CNM will not work”

    The source added: “What is painful is that in forming the coalition, Obasanjo has drawn some aggrieved PDP leaders to himself instead of those in the leadership of the party who he refused to contact. Instead in his letter to President Buhari, he was accusing the party of procuring judgment at the Supreme Court.

    “From ex-Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola (who was removed as PDP National Secretary) to ex-Governor Donald Duke, we learnt he has been trying to poach our former National Chairman, Sen. Ahmadu Ali, ex- Deputy President of the Senate, Ibrahim Mantu, ex-Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, a former Minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, Kashim Ibrahim Imam, Prof. Rufai Alkali, Sen. Barnabas Gemade, Sen. Gadi, Arc. Bunu, Shehu Gabam and others.

    “As a party, we are keeping records of what the CNM is up to with our leaders. We believe in reconciliation and we are working towards it. But if some of these leaders prefer CNM, good luck to them.”

    Some CNM leaders were shocked that the coalition took off on a shaky note because of last minutes change of mind by some PDP leaders and APC governors who had assured Obasanjo of their support.

    The affected subscribers to CNM had a rethink and stayed away from the maiden launch in Abuja because most of them were unsure of how the coalition can guarantee them elective positions in 2019.

    Others claimed that it was “premature “to take any gamble with the coalition because 2019 politics is just manifesting.

    It was learnt that the initial plan to make the coalition to take off with “frenzy” failed as plan with the absence of the affected leaders who had planned to be at Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre.

    It was gathered that the development informed the relaunch of the CNM, under the guise of membership registration by ex-President Obasanjo, on Thursday in Abeokuta.

    Sources said that Obasanjo’s long standing ally and former National Chairman of PDP, Sen. Ahmadu Ali, may lead the CNM as chairman in view of his experience in ‘garrison politics’.

    Meanwhile, there were fresh indications yesterday that Obasanjo’s coalition is in a secret plot against 11 APC states in order to pave the way for any presidential candidate it might adopt.

    The targeted states are Kaduna, Jigawa, Kano, Osun, Katsina, Benue, Kwara, Ogun, Plateau, Imo, and Bauchi.

    “The coalition wants to capitalize on some challenges in some of these states to effect change in leadership. The initial test of the coalition’s campaign will be during the forthcoming Osun and Ekiti governorship polls. The permutation is that once it is able to mobilize the masses to dislodge APC and PDP, the coalition would have effectively taken off.

    “The template in Osun and Ekiti will now be used for the other nine states. The APC leaders are however aware of the plot and a counter-plot has started, beginning with the responses of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and ex-Governor Adams Oshiomhole to Obasanjo on his letter to Buhari.”

    As at press time however, findings confirmed that most foreign missions have opened desks to monitor the potency of CNM and the emerging political scenarios in the country.

    A diplomat said: “Your country is undergoing an interesting political time, we are all watching. Our home countries are really interested in what will become of Obasanjo’s project, especially if it will have impact on your country’s politics.

    “We want a robust and stable democracy and peace for Nigeria.”

  • Lamido visits Fayose, says APC must go in 2019

    Lamido visits Fayose, says APC must go in 2019

    Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, has urged Nigerians to sack the All Progressives Congress (APC) from power in the 2019 general election.

    Lamido, who is eyeing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the presidential ticket, said Nigerians made a “grievous mistake” by voting President Muhammadu Buhari into power in 2015.

    The former Minister of Foreign Affairs said Nigerians now look up to PDP for salvation in 2019 as APC has failed to manage various crises on its hand including the herdsmen attacks in some parts of the country.

    He said Nigeria has never witnessed hatred and bloodletting across ethnic and religious divides since independence as being witnessed under the APC regime.

    Lamido spoke on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, where he held talks with Governor Ayo Fayose on his presidential ambition.

    He commended Fayose for being outspoken against the alleged failure and excesses of the APC government, saying the 2019 polls offer the PDP an opportunity to regain power at the centre.

    Lamido said: “We can defeat them easily if we all share the same thought and pains as Nigerians are feeling now.

    “You (Fayose) are a man of courage and a man of character who is able to stand up for the people despite intimidation.  I respect you, I admire you and like you a lot.

    “I have come to discuss with you about our party and look at Nigeria in 2019. APC is stealing under the cover of anti -corruption fight. In Nigeria, the only hope in 2019 is PDP, because APC is a contraption.

    “In PDP, we were in power for 16 years, somehow we lost out, we should ask the question, where was Nigeria before PDP?

    “The vision of our founding fathers, like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Aminu Kano , Ahmadu Bello and Tafawa Balewa had been that there should be a Nigeria populated by human beings first not tribes, regions or zones.

    “They (APC) are exploiting our differences, manipulate our emotions and divided us and gradually turning us into a country where we hate one another.

    “Fulani, Tiv and Hausa are now killing each other, blood flowing all over Nigeria. God is angry with us in Nigeria.

    “What do we do? The party in power has no political history and only came to divide us, impose culture of hate. Intimidation and blackmail had become the order of the day.”

    Responding, Fayose described Lamido as eminently qualified to be president of Nigeria, saying he remains one of the few detribalized Fulani leaders with capacity and exposure to deliver.

    The governor advised Nigerians not to vote for any retired military man as president, saying the current experience was enough to teach a strong lesson that only a democrat can deliver.

    He said: “The military bastardised the system. They destroyed this country and this is why Nigerians should stop voting military men, they are not politicians.

     

    “Some people say APC will rig election but I tell them, God rules in the affairs of man. Power belongs only to God almighty.

    “Whether you call it presidential or vice presidential aspiration, all I know that you will come to visit me in Aso Rock in 2019.”

  • 2019: Northern youths ask Atiku, Lamido to step down for Dankwambo

    2019: Northern youths ask Atiku, Lamido to step down for Dankwambo

    Northern youths under the aegis of Arewa Youths Coalition have called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Caretaker Committee, Senator Ahmed Makarfi and former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, to drop their presidential ambition.

    The coalition asked all the presidential aspirants in the PDP to throw their weight behind the Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo.

    The Northern youths said Nigeria needs a young and vibrant leader like Dankwambo who has shown example of what good leadership should be in Gombe State.

    Speaking at a rally to drum support for Dankwambo in Kaduna, on Saturday, the Chairman of the coalition, Comrade Abdullahi Mohammed Jika, said “everybody in the country knows that we are not where we ought to be as a country. That is why we are here to call on Governor Dankwambo of Gombe State to come and contest and rescue our country from the myriad of challenges bedeviling us.

    “We have chosen Dankwambo because we have seen what he has done in Gombe State. He is a detribalised Nigerian. He has solutions to our economic and security challenges and he can move the country to the promised land.

    “Therefore, we are calling on other contenders within the party to put their ambition aside and support Dankwambo with their resources, contacts and everything within their possession, because PDP is one big family.”

     

     

  • Buhari presides over govt of lies, says Lamido

    Buhari presides over govt of lies, says Lamido

    •Ex-Jigawa Governor: i’m not corrupt

    Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido yesterday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to change his styles and tactics, saying that Nigerians were losing confidence in his ability to fulfil his campaign promises.

    He objected to what he described as an attack on his person by the president’s media aide, Garba Shehu, who he said lacked a knowledge of salient issues.

    The former governor said he did not steal pubic money, urging his supporters to wait for the court’s verdict.

    Lamido said in a statement by his media aide, Mansur Ahmed, that ordinary Nigerians were bearing the pains of misrule.

    He said: “Today, the culture of lies has become an art of governance. When Buhari was in London for treatment, Lai Mohammed and other aides kept telling Nigerians that he was perfectly healthy but when he returned, the President himself told Nigerians that he had not been that sick before in his life, but his aides were saying another thing.

    “They made allocations of billions of naira for Aso Rock Clinic. Yet, they say there is no syringe there. But, if you complain, APC would say you are a wailing wailer.”

    Lamido said he will not blame President Buhari for his trial for corruption, adding that his tribulation was a fallout of the’ civil war’ in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He chided Shehu for immorality, saying: “If he indeed, Garba Shehu knows what is called morality, should he still be hanging around the Buhari administration? He is only exhibiting brazen desperation to win Buhari’s loyalty at all cost.”

    Lamido said the court will decide his fate, saying there is no cause for alarm.

    He stressed: “I leave the court to decide on the matter  before it as I won’t want to say anything further on that. But, suffice it to say that even in the matter, no where was I accused of stealing Jigawa ‘s money.  But, like I said, I have implicit faith in the judiciary to deliver justice on the matter.”

     

  • Buhari writes Obiano, Lamido

    President Muhammadu Buhari has written to condole with Anambra State Goveror Willie Obiano over the killings in church last Sunday in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area.

    He also wrote to condole with former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido over the dath of his daughter Hadiza.

    The letter to Obiano was a follow up to the telephone call made to the governor.

    A statememt by Senior Specuial Assiatant to the President on media and publicity Mallam Garba Shehu yesterday, said Buhari described the Ozubulu killings as “shocking and cowardly attack on worshippers” in St. Philips Catholic Church.

    Accordin to the statement,the president in the letter signed and sent on Tuesday, said “to attack and kill defenceless people while worshipping is the most heinous of all crimes. The nation is one at deploring this monstrous crime.

    “Please convey to the families and friends of those killed, my condolences for this utterly dastardly crime. Please also convey my considerations and sympathies to the people of Ekwusigo local government area for this tragic attack.

    In a similar letter of condolence to Lamido, President Buhari said he was shocked to to learn about the death of his daughter, Hajiya Hadiza Sule Lamido, his daughter.

    In the letter bearing his signature, the President requested the former Governor to “please convey to your family members, friends, friends and associates of the deceased my sympathies. May Almighty Allah forgive her and may He forgive us when our time comes.”

  • Lamido visits detained PDP chair in prison

    Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, at the weekend, visited the detained Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Alhaji Salisu Mamuda Ku’it, and his former commissioners at Kiyawa prison.
    Addressing reporters after the visit, Lamido said no level of intimidation and harassment by Governor Badaru Abubakar will make the PDP lose the local government election.
    The ex-governor accused the current administration of ‘selective trial’, by its refusal to try some people because they defected to the All progressives Congress (APC).
    The former commissioners – Nasiru Umar, Salisu Sale Indirawa, and council chairmen – Muktar Ibrahim, Abba Mohd and Shehu Umar Chamo- were remanded last Thursday after their arraignment at the Dutse Chief Magistrates’ Court II.
    They were charged for criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust by public servant, disobeying direction of the law with intent to cause injury to the public, theft and forgery, when they were public office holders.
    Lamido said; “It is simply a ploy to intimidate, terrorise, malign and demean PDP so that it can be broken. No power on earth can avert what God ordained,’’ Lamido added.
    Lamido is currently on bail after being detained for three months after the government accused him of making inciteful statements.