The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

  • I’m running for the Senate on my achievements, says Ndoma-Egba

    The Senatorial candidate for the Central Senatorial District of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba SAN, says he would be running on his achievements and not promises.

    Addressing reporters in Ikom local government area after a round of campaigns, he said recorded a lot of achievements during the time he was in the Senate and would do more if returns.

    He said the feedback from the people during the campaign was favorable as the came out in large numbers to show support.

    The former Senate Leader expressed confidence that the APC would sweep the elections in the state.

    Read Also: Buhari’s achievements real, impactful – Minister

    He was also confident that President Muhammadu Buhari would win the elections in Cross River State.

    He said in the entire time the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was in power, the state had never had it so good in terms of appointments and recognition despite not supporting him at the polls.

    Ndoma-Egba, the immediate past chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) said under the PDP the state had lost Bakassi, as well as its oil wells among others.

    “Come Saturday, Cross Riverians would troop out enmasse to show appreciation to Buhari. He will win convincingly. Under PDP Cross River lost Bakassi, oil wells and many others. You can go on with the litany of losses. Cross Riverians are tired of these losses and need something new and APC offers this,” he said

    He urged the security agencies should live up their duties and also be to non-partisan.

    Ndoma-Egba expressed confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free and fair elections in Cross River State.

  • ‘We support the CJN’s suspension’

    The Convener, Associate Prof. Bolarinwa Bolaji, said this at a press conference issued by the group in Abuja on Wednesday.

    “We are solidly in support of the Buhari led administration in the fight against corruption in Nigeria,” the professor stated.

    “If we may refer to what President Muhammadu Buhari observed during his Presidential electioneering campaign in 2015, he expressed concerns that corruption was the cankerworm that ate into its fabrics, the economy of Nigeria.

    “It is on this premise that we support President Buhari led government on the drastic step taken so far on the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen.  This no doubt is a giant stride in the fight against corruption.”

    “The President should be aware that there is no due process in fighting corruption but available process.

    Read Also: Nigerians back Buhari on suspension of CJN

    “To us, majority of our legal luminaries in Nigeria are not ready to cooperate with Mr. President in the fight against corruption, probably because they are benefitting from the evil act. No wonder some of them wanted to let heaven loose when Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen was suspended.

    “The people who put us in this mess must not be allowed to come back to power. They obviously have nothing to offer. They have been tested but have been found wanting.”

    The group wholly endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC), condemning the previous administrations on “corrupt practices, thereby adversely affecting our infrastructure, education and social values.”

    Bolaji also cited a TV interview with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential flag bearer, Atiku Abubakar, who confirmed that eight out of their sixteen years they governed Nigeria, contractors collected huge amount of money to work in the Power Sector.

    “He said that the entire amount collected went down the drain as none of the contractors executed any project.

    “He also explained that in most cases, hundred percent of contract sum were paid without any performance.  He concluded that till today, nobody asked questions.  We can now see from where the problem on economy emanated.

    Pro-Acad suggested that the President should set up tribunal in the six geopolitical zones in the country and membership to comprise retired justices with impeccable track records while in service with the task of handling corruption cases in their respectful zones.

  • Imo: Nwosu, Uzodinma, others sign peace pact

    …as Police, Army read riot act to politicians

     

    Security agencies in Imo State on Wednesday warned politicians ahead of the general elections to desist from acts that are capable of jeopardizing public peace and security in the State.

    The warning was coming at the heels of a peace Parley organised for politicians by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).

    The Security Chiefs warned that any politician caught inciting violence in the state during and after the elections will be severely dealt with in accordance with the law.

    Meanwhile the governorship candidates of the Action Alliance (AA), Uche Nwosu, All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Hope Uzodinma, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Emeka Ihedioha, Change Advocacy Party (CAP), Ikenna Emmanuel, Young Progressive Party (YPP), Linus Okorie and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Ifeanyi Araraume, among others signed agreement to be of peaceful conduct during the election.

    Addressing the candidates shortly before the signing of the Agreement which was witnessed by Security Chiefs, Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), religious leaders and journalists, the State Commissioner of Police, Dasuki Galadanchi, urged the politicians to play by the rules and jettison all forms of violence.

    According to him, the State has witnessed relative peace when compared to other states in the Federation, as a result of the “cooperation and support of the people of the state”.

    He said, “you will agree with me that this hard-earned peace and tranquillity we enjoy and experience in Imo State should be guarded jealously, thus, we have no other option than to ensure this endures before, during and after the elections”.

    In his brief speech, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Pro. Francis Ezeonu, assured that INEC is prepared to conduct credible election that will meet the aspirations of all the parties

    He restated his commitment to provide level playing ground for all the political parties participating in the election, while pleading with the candidates to abide by rules and regulations guiding the election.

    Meanwhile, fake soldiers escorting and unnamed politician were paraded at the event, which held at the State Police Headquarters.

    Read Also: Buhari, Atiku, others sign second 2019 National Peace Accord

    Parading the suspects, who were fully dressed in Military fatigue, during a Peace Parley for candidates, the Commander 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze, Brigadier General H. I Bature, disclosed that fake soldiers have infiltrated the state to cause chaos during the general elections.

    He stated that desperate politicians have equipped hoodlums with Army Uniforms and weapons to perpetrate violence in the state, warning that all those involved in the ignoble act will be fished out and dealt with.

    According to him, “two of these fake soldiers were arrested escorting a politician. You will marvel at the kind of ammunition that was in their possession. But no matter how much they disguise, we have a way of finding out the fake soldiers.

  • False alarm won’t help you, PDP replies Lai Mohammed

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said no amount of fabrications, false alarm and blackmail by the All Progressives Congress (APC) can sway Nigerians or help their plots to rig the 2019 presidential election.

    Responding to allegation the Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed the PDP was planning to disrupt the general elections, the opposition party said it was a fresh attempt by the government to use its chief propagandist to level false allegations.

    In a statement on Tuesday by the spokesman for the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party said the attempt has failed because Nigerians already know those plotting to scuttle the elections by inciting violence and issuing death threats against others.

    The PDP said: “What has Lai Mohammed to say to President Muhammadu Buhari, who in Zamfara state on Sunday, urged his supporters to get ready to fight and unleash violence on other Nigerians?

    “What has Lai Mohammed to say to the threat by his party’s chieftain and governor of Kaduna state, Nasir el-Rufai, who declared that members of the global democratic institution working for peaceful election in our country will return to their countries in body bags?

    “Lai Mohammed has nothing to say to the Director General of the Buhari Campaign Organization, Rotimi Amaechi, who raised a war chant and threatened Nigerians at the APC presidential rally in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

    Read also: Middle Belt leaders restate support for PT’s Olawepo-Hashim

    “It is clear to all that violence, death threats and plot to disrupt the elections have become an official policy of the Buhari Campaign Organization, having realised that President Buhari has no chance in the February 16 presidential election.

    “Nigerians are all aware that the PDP is ready and working hard for this election.

    “The people’s candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has been traversing the nooks and crannies of our country campaigning and receiving overwhelming support by Nigerians, across the board, who have already reached a consensus to elect him as the next President of our country.”

  • Emmanuel conscripts 1,000 persons to defend PDP votes

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will engage 1,000 men and deploy them to each polling unit to defend votes that would be cast for the party on Saturday, February 16 and March 2 elections.

    Emmanuel said the measure is aimed at frustrating the plans by the opposition to rig the elections and stop a free, credible and peaceful poll in the state.

    The governor disclosed this during the PDP grand rally at Onna Sports Stadium on Tuesday to mark the end of the campaigns round the 31 local government areas of the state.

    He said the opposition APC in the state has adopted all sort of sinister plots to weaken members of the PDP but to no avail.

    He commended PDP youths who have embraced the peaceful disposition of his administration and have worked so hard to maintain peace throughout the electioneering, even in the face of intense provocation.

    Such conduct, Emmanurl said, has further frustrated the opposition’s initial plan to arrest and detain some key members of the party till after the elections.

    Read also: Auchi monarch to PDP: we’ll support party that fixed Auchi gully

    The governor thanked all the other 30 LGAs in Akwa Ibom State earlier visited for remaining steadfast on the side of his party throughout the campaigns.

    He also commended the National Working committee of the party represented by the National Legal Adviser, Barr Emmanuel Enoidem and expressed optimism that the PDP will produce the next president of Nigeria.

    “PDP is unstoppable. There is no way we would not win, we have gone round the whole Akwa Ibom. PDP is like a religion in Akwa Ibom.

    “They planned evil, God did not allow it to happen. God has disappointed and will continue to disappoint them.

    “We started in peace and ended in peace and success. Akwa Ibom is 100 percent PDP and 100percent we shall win.

    “They wanted to arrest and intimidate some key members of our party but God has disappointed them.

    “People came up and talk like Pharoah and Nebuchadnezzar but God has disappointed them. Akwa Ibom youths have rejected thuggery, they have embraced peace” he said

    Reacting to a statement credited to some key members of the APC that elections would be done in 30 minutes, Emmanuel argued that election takes a process.

    The governor maintained that Akwa Ibom people would resist any attempt by anyone to truncate a free, fair and credible process.

    Addressing the rally, Speaker Onofiok Luke said Emmanuel has performed creditably well as he has conscientiously and prudently managed the resources of the state.

    He recalled that the recently induced defections of some members of the Assembly and the crisis thereafter were sponsored by enemies of the state against governor Udom Emmanuel.

    The National Legal Adviser of the PDP, Barr Emmanuel Enoidem applauded the peace Emmanuel has restored to the state. He noted; “No accident throughout the campaigns, it can only be God”.

    Enoidem who expressed satisfaction that PDP is making waves in the country, advised Nigerians to avoid any form of mistake that would further drag the country backward.

    “Make no mistake in this country. The man on the throne has neither the physical nor mental capacity to govern Nigeria”. He said

    The Director General of the Divine Mandate, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga described Governor Emmanuel as a pride to Africa.

    He thanked the people of Onna for giving to the state a man who has ended kidnapping in churches and politically motivated killing in the state.

  • I will fulfill all promises – Atiku

    The presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday said he would fulfill all his electoral promises to Nigerians if elected.

    He gave the assurance in Lagos while speaking at the party’s presidential rally.

    The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki; Atiku‘s running -mate, Mr Peter Obi; the PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, were some of the prominent personalities at the rally.

    Former governor of Ekiti, Mr Ayo Fayose; former Ogun governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Sen. Ben-Bruce, a former presidential spokesman, Chief Doyin Okupe; were also at the rally.

    Atiku and his entourage were welcome to the state by a former Deputy-National Chairman of PDP, Chief Olabode George and the party’s governorship candidate, Mr Jimi Agbaje and a mammoth crowd of party faithful.

    Atiku emphasized that he would not renege on his promise to restructure the country to fast track development.

    The PDP candidate said he would fulfil his promise to revamp the economy and create jobs.

    He said the spate of killings and other security challenges in the country was disturbing, promising to tackle the problem head-on.

    Atiku urged Nigerians to reject the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the party had failed the people in all its electoral promises.

    “When I say I am going to do something, I am going to do it; I am not like APC that will promise something but will not fulfil them.

    “I promised Nigerians that I am going to restructure the country, I am going to do it.

    “I promised Nigerians I am going to create jobs, I have been creating jobs and I will create more jobs for you.

    “The APC promised to create jobs, but we have been losing jobs, we have the largest unemployment case in our history.

    “APC said they were going to improve security; we had security challenges only in the North East; today, we have insecurity in the North West, North Central, they have failed Nigerians.

    “They said they were going to revamp the economy, today, we are the headquarters of poverty in the world.

    “I promise you, I am going to reverse all these when I am elected”, he said.

    Atiku said Lagos residents deserved a better deal than they were currently getting from the APC government.

    The PDP said the problem of traffic and other problems were surmountable with the ideal government in place.

    He said he could vouch for the credibility, passion and capacity of Agbaje to move the state forward .

    Atiku urged Nigerians and Lagos residents to vote PDP from top to bottom for good governance.

    In his speech, Obi said the PDP was the best bet for the progress of the country and the well-being of citizens.

    He urged all Nigerians to cast their votes for the party on Feb. 16 and March 2 “for a better Nigeria “.

    Speaking, Saraki said a vote for Atiku was a vote for a better and a prosperous Nigeria .

    Read Also: I am the author of restructuring – Atiku

    He said the PDP candidate had the capacity to revamp the economy and hence, create massive jobs for citizens.

    Saraki claimed the APC government had brought sufferings to the country, urging Lagos residents to reject the ruling party at the polls.

    “When you vote for Atiku Abubakar, you vote for a better economy, when you vote for a better economy, you vote for jobs, and when you vote for jobs for the youth,you vote for prosperity and a better Nigeria.

    “I urge Nigerians, particularly Lagos residents, to end the sufferings in the country by rejecting the APC and voting for Atiku,” he said.

    Agbaje, in his speech, said the PDP and Atiku had solutions to all the problems bedevilling the country.

    He said it was time Lagos freed itself from what he called the political hegemony of people with vested interests, and embrace a government that truly cares.

    He said if elected, he would deliver service and provide the real governance that residents deserved.

     

    NAN

     

  • Group faults Atiku’s endorsement by Ohanaeze Ndigbo

    A pro-Eastern Nigeria action group, “Awake and Defend Action Movement” (ADAM) has faulted the endorsement of the Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar by the leadership of Apex Igbo Socio-Cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

    ADAM is an umbrella body of pressure groups within the old Eastern region of Nigeria with the purpose of providing a formidable alternative youth for the protection of lives and property of every indigene of old Eastern Nigeria.

    Recall that Nnia Nwodo’s led Ohanaeze and other four socio-cultural groups including Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Northern Elder’s Forum (NEF), Afenifere and Middle Belt Forum (MBF) in a meeting at Sheraton Hotel, Abuja adopted Atiku as their consensus candidate fortnight ago.

    But ADAM in a communiqué signed by its acting chairman, Ndubuisi Igwekani-Agu Biafra and the South-South leader of the group (Chief James Ekpo), which was issued to journalists at the end of a crucial meeting of the body in Aba, Abia State, stated that it was wrong for the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to endorse Atiku and any other person as a consensus presidential candidate of the Igbo extraction.

    Read Also: Why Atiku is good for Nigeria

    The group, while noting that the action of Nwodo may cause bad blood among Igbos political class maintained that Ohanaeze is not a political group and therefore must limit its influence to issues that concern Igbo cultural, social and traditional advancement in order to avoid division and acrimony among Igbo sons and daughters who are members of various political party interests.

    Sharing contrary opinion on the sit-at-home directives by the leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ahead of the 2019 general elections, ADAM however called on all Easterners including youths to actively participate in the election by voting for people that not only have the interest of the people at heart, but have the capacity to attract development and democratic dividends to the people.

    ADAM who stated that they were miffed with the level of underdevelopment in the Eastern region, stated that their support for the call for the restructuring of the country with states and regions managing and controlling their natural mineral resources, said that the era of reckless spending of public resources is over.

    “ADAM will ensure that our people demand transparency and accountability from every elected public officer in Eastern Nigeria. We will mobilize the entire youth in Eastern to deal with any elected officer who fails in his/her duties to account to the people.

    “Henceforth, we are monitoring some Igbo political contractors who rush to their pay master in the North and other parts of Nigeria to collect evil money to destabilize our people. Henceforth, we will monitor and expose them to bring sanity and peace to our land.”

    The group which expressed its worries over the level of insecurity in the country called on its citizens that have retired from active service in the military and other security agencies to come together to hold a security summit in order to address the security challenges that the Old Eastern region is facing.

    “Now, concerning the youths in Eastern Nigeria, we have noticed the exponential increase in kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, yahoo yahoo, gambling, prostitution, child-trafficking, and all manner of violent extremism just to get rich overnight. We hereby warn that it will not be business as usual. We have set up a security watch to coordinate with security agents to expose all manner of evil activities perpetuated by youths in whatever disguise.”

    The group which believes in oneness of Nigeria against the breakaway campaign of the Nnmadi Kanu led IPOB said “Concerning the State of Biafra, ADAM believes that Biafra is a state of the mind where every citizen of Biafra in any other self-interest. We are Igbos of the Indigenous People of Biafra living in Nigeria. We are Igbos of the Indigenous People of Biafra and ready to remain in Nigeria if the country is properly restructured to accommodate all nationalities in a peaceful co-existence with other nationalities.”

     

  • Atiku in Rivers: I’m author of restructuring

    PEOPLE’S Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has described himself as the author of restructuring.

    He claimed that he would be Nigeria’s President from May 29 and that President Muhammadu Buhari must go.

    The former vice president spoke yesterday at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, near Port Harcourt International Airport, Rivers State, while campaigning along with other PDP leaders.

    President Buhari will also be at the same Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium today in continuation of his presidential campaigns.

    Atiku, who was also accompanied by one of his wives, Jennifer, got to the stadium at 2:27p.m. for a campaign slated for 10a.m., when many tired members of the party had left the venue, owing to the scorching sun.

    One of the Masters of Ceremonies (MCs) repeatedly announced: “Close the back gate”, when the stadium was almost becoming empty.

    When the PDP vice presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was asked to speak, he kept shouting in Pidgin English: “Rivers people, make una wait now”.

    The rally was also attended by former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was accompanied by his wife, Dame Patience; Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike; his counterpart in Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal; the Director-General of PDP’s Presidential Campaign Council, Dr. Bukola Saraki; the party’s National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, an indigene of Andoni LGA of Rivers state; and Rivers State Chairman Chief Felix Obuah, among other party leaders.

    Atiku said: “Let me use this opportunity to pay tribute to a Nigerian, who is patriotic, who is fearless, who is courageous, who is hardworking and who believes in this country. That Nigerian is Governor Wike. Wike and I have a few things in common. We no dey fear ooo. Do you want somebody we dey fear to lead you? It means if he is afraid, you will all be finished. I want to commend him (Wike) for the hard work he has done in Rivers State. I have been part and parcel of this state (Rivers) since 1984. I have not seen one single governor, who has transformed this state to such a level that you can compare it with any modernised state.”

    He added: “If you elect PDP, which I am sure you are going to elect, and if you elect Atiku, you know that I am the author of restructuring. I will give it (restructuring) to Niger Delta and I will give it to all parts of this country. We must restructure.

    “It was the Obasanjo/Atiku administration that started the East-West Road. Till today, it is not finished. It is not finished, because you did not vote for PDP in 2015 to continue. APC came and halted it. If you vote for PDP again, we are going to finish it.”

    He added: “Your ports that do not work to create jobs, the Port Harcourt Port and Onne Port, we will complete them so that we can create thousands of jobs for young men and women in Rivers State.

    “You can see that APC has not done anything for you. They have not done anything for Niger Delta. They have not done anything for Southsouth. Every development that you have got in Rivers State, Southsouth or Niger Delta is PDP. So, continue to vote for PDP. I beg you.

    “I want to assure you that I will protect the constitution (of Nigeria). You know sey nobody go court reach me in Nigeria, to protect our constitution. I will protect separation of powers. I will not interfere with the National Assembly, because I believe in checks and balances. I will not interfere with the judiciary, because it is part and parcel of our checks and balances. I will uphold the rule of law. I will not allow rule of law to be trampled by anybody.”

    The PDP presidential candidate also alleged that the APC was preaching violence, claiming that it was not the first time that President Buhari would do so, stressing that Nigerians wanted peace.

    He declared that “Buhari must go.”

    Jonathan stated that Atiku would be Nigeria’s president from May 29, 2019, describing Rivers State as totally PDP.

    He claimed that Nigeria had not made progress since he left office on May 29, 2015, after his humiliating defeat by Buhari, the first of its kind in Nigeria’s history, for a sitting president to lose election.

    Wike said: “We have darkness and light (in Nigeria). APC is darkness. PDP is light. Do you want to vote for darkness? It is a war between dictatorship and freedom. Do you want dictatorship? Dictatorship is APC. Freedom is PDP. Are you Atikulated?”

    Secondus described Atiku as the next president, alleging that APC was in disarray, with its leaders desperate and confused.

    The PDP National maintained that Atiku had capacity, energy, being innovative, would be able to work for 24 hours daily and would be fully in charge as the Commander-in-Chief’

    Saraki urged Nigerians to move the nation forward, claiming that his party’s presidential candidate would change Nigeria and put an end to the current poverty.

    Obi said the only person, who could make Nigeria to work again, was Atiku.

    Rivers PDP Chairman assured that people of the state would give Atiku 100 per cent votes.

    The rally ended at 3:36 p.m.

  • Buhari’s victory sure, says Ashafa

    Senator Gbenga Ashafa (Lagos East) on Monday said President Muhammadu Buhari’s integrity will deliver Saturday’s election in his favour.

    Ashafa, who spoke during the All Progressives Congress (APC) door to door campaign in Magodo, Lagos, said APC was sure of victory.

    He said the President has delivered on his campaign promises, noting the fight against corruption, infrastructure development and bringing insecurity under control are landmarks of the administration.

    Ashafa added that Magodo residents would troop out to vote the President, noting the people were comfortable with Buhari’s achievements in the past three and half years.

    He said: “What we are doing right now is the drumming of support for President Buhari, who is sure of victory on Saturday. We are telling the residents of Magodo to disregard the campaign of calumny by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    “We are here to also let them know that in the area of infrastructure development, agriculture, social welfare and passage of laws, the President has broken all records.

    “Only five days back, I was at Iju, we took train from there to Abeokuta. A standard rail gauge has been put in place in the Southwest and this is the first time we are witnessing that. We have one in Warri/Itakpe, we have one across the length and breadth of Abuja and Kaduna.

    Read Also: ‘Masses root for Buhari in Kwara

    “The rail gauge that has just been completed is one segment of Lagos/Kano. Nigerians should vote the President in order to enjoy the progress recorded under this administration. We are beneficiaries of roads construction and expansion.

    “Magodo is central in Lagos, if you are coming from anywhere to Lagos, Magodo is like a melting pot.

    ‘’It cuts across all cultures and ethnic group. We have always had one voice, this time around; we will all come out to vote candidates of the APC from top to bottom.”

    Chairman of Magodo Residents Association Mr. Jade Niboro said the community never had it so good than what it is presently experiencing.

    He added that the residents would support the President in order to continue the good work enjoyed since the administration came on board.

    “We are prepared to vote Buhari because we are impressed with what we enjoy here.

    “Notwithstanding, we still expect additional values to the lives of the residents. We thank him so far, we will thank him the more after Saturday election,” he stated.

  • Oyo police read riot act to politicians

    The Oyo state Police command on Monday read the riot act to politicians who are bent on causing violence and disrupting the existing peace in the pacesetter state during campaign rallies ahead of the forthcoming general election in the country.

    Violence had erupted at different parts of the state during campaign rallies of the ruling party, All Progressive Congress (APC), the opposition party, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) , leading to killing of four persons , and injuring several others at Igboora, Omi-Adio and Ojoo areas of the state.

    The state Commissioner of Police , Mr. Olukolu Shina , who just resumed duty in the state, at a press conference held at the Eleyele Police Headquarters, Ibadan  on Monday warned that anybody found in the act of violence  would be made to  face the full wrath of the law irrespective of the status of the offender in the society.

    The Commissioner of Police who also paraded many other suspects ,  vowed to aggressively clampdown on political thugs and other criminals in the state as general elections are few days away.

    Prominent among those  paraded  at the press conference was a 41-year-old-Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church,  Olajide Olawale who stole his lover’s vehicle and sold to his friend in Abuja.

    Read Also: Police arrest 25 suspected cultists

    Olawale absconded with the Toyota Matrix last year before his arrest.

    Other suspects  who are paraded are: a 50 year-old driver, Ismaila Yusuf who connived with a gang of armed robbers to rob his employer, a 39 year-old, Kunle Omolere and a 30-year-old Eniola Tosin who were arrested for cultism.

    The list also included a 25-year-old potter, Idowu Nathaniel who was arrested for impersonating military officer, an impostor, Akintemi Tosin who paraded himself as an operative of the Special Anti-Rubbery Squad, and several other dealers of Indian hemp in the state.

    The Commissioner who regretted the recent political violence which claimed many lives in the state, warned politicians with their supporters to desist from actions of violence as the election is around the corner.

    He said: “we are however not oblivious of the recent violent activities of some miscreants who in the name of politics and in total defiance of our earlier warning caused violence in places like Oojo, Igboora and others.

    “These political thugs who have made violence their trade mark have decided to serve as cogs in the wheel of democratic progress in the state.

    “The violence witnessed in the places earlier mentioned resulted in loss of lives and injuries to some persons. This no doubt is an ominous sign that some desperate politicians intolerant of others are unrepentant in their quest to foment trouble using the instrumentality of political intimidation and thuggery.”