The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

  • APC appeals for adequate security in Okrika ahead of elections

    The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Okrika local government area, Rivers State has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to provide adequate security during and after Presidential and national of assembly elections in the area.

    The appeal followed the alleged uncovered plans by the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to unleash mayhem on APC members and voters in the LGA.

    A statement by stakeholders of APC Okrika chapter in Port Harcourt, the state capital yesterday, alleged that the PDP has moved thugs and cultists from Ondo, Bayelsa and other states into Okrika and have concluded plans to station their gun boats at strategic locations to ensure that all the polling units in the riverine wards are hijacked at mid sea and results drawned and submitted for collation.

    The APC also alleged that the PDP have already purchased PVCs ahead of the polls

    But in a swift reaction, PDP Spokesman in the state Darlington Orji denied the allegations discribing it as bogus and unfounded.

    Read Also: APC to Nigerians: reject treasury looters

    Orji queried the reason PDP could instigate trouble or involve in vote buying in an election that it will win.

    According to him, “Everybody knows that it is APC that is known for violence. We are on the ground in the state, more so in Okrika, so why should PDP want to make trouble or think of vote buying in election we are going to win.

    “APC is not participating in the polls, they have been mobilizing their tugs to cause trouble during the exercise and the security operatives should be aware of that fact.” he said.

    In the statement by APC they stated that,  “We have been reliably informed that PDP leaders have acquired uniforms of police, army and other security agencies with the intention to use these uniforms to perpetrate their evil plans and portray these security agencies in bad light.

    “They have procured PVC’s which they intend to give to strangers who are currently in Okrika ahead of the elections today.

    “We have it on good authority that money have been paid to the officials of the independent national  electoral commission (INEC) officials and these officials have accepted to collide with the PDP in rigging the elections.

    “They have concluded plans to storm and burn all collation centers should their above plans fail to ensure the victory of the PDP in Okrika”.

    They demanded that the commissioner of police, director DSS and President Muhammadu Buhari ensure that the conspiracy is not carried out at in Okrika.

    They also demanded that the people of Okrika be given adequate security before, during and after the scheduled elections among others.

     

  • PDP alleges APC moved in N2.5bn for vote-buying in Akwa-Ibom

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Council in Cross River state has alleged the All Progressives Congress (APC) intends to buy votes during the Presidential and National Assembly elections with N2.5billion .

    Director-General of the campaign council, Mr Efiok Cobham, in a statement in Calabar in Friday evening, alleged the money was channeled to the state chapter of the APC through the Central Bank of Nigeria branch in Calabar.

    The council also called on the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state to resist any attempt to be bought and conscripted into an alliance aimed at thwarting the will of the electorate.

    “It is now crystal clear to all that APC is fake, not on ground, desperate and afraid of defeat.

    “APC is the opposite of what it pretends to be or how else can one describe a party that claims to be an agent of change and fighting corruption but is currently neck deep in monumental electoral thievery?

    “APC ‘s evil mechanizations in Cross River will fail because Cross Riverians have since made up their minds to go with the PDP which represents hope.

    “We appeal to INEC to assert its independence and remain steadfast in its avowed commitment to protecting the sanctity of the ballot box.

    “They should resist every inducement and intimidation that the APC would subject it to.”

    Read Also: PDP’ll be defeated on Sat, says Tinubu

    “Cross Riverians are politically sophisticated  and the level of electoral education here is excellent but the APC, aware of its utter hopelessness in the state, is working hard to pollute the system. Cross Riverians should beware of APC’s antics.

    “Ignore the APC and its desperation. Don’t allow them to pollute you. Go out there tomorrow and vote Atiku and all PDP candidates en mass.We must reclaim our country from these buccaneers,” he said

    But Publicity Secretary of the APC in the state, Mr Bassey Ita, described it as a malicious fabrication, which has the potential to damage the integrity and honesty the APC is known for.

    Ita said it was ironic that a bunch of dishonest people should make such accusation and called on members of the public disregard and discard it.

  • Breaking: Akala, Lanlehin, Alli form alliance against Adelabu

    Major opposition parties in Oyo State have formed an alliance against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the governorship and House of Assembly election.

    The development will put the APC under intense pressure as the three parties, working together, commands large followership across the state.

    The alliance was formed on Friday in a meeting at the residence of the governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Adebayo Alao-Akala.

    Alao-Akala, who is a former governor of the state, had indicated three weeks ago that opposition parties would form an alliance to end the reins of the APC in the state.

    But he declared that he was not working for the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Seyi Makinde.

    The Nation gathered from a reliable source close to the meeting of candidates that Alao-Akala (ADP), Olufemi Lanlehin of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Sharafadeen Alli of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) agreed to review the results of tomorrow’s presidential and National Assembly elections to determine the structure of the full alliance.

    Read Also: I’m not in any alliance against Adelabu– Akala

    It was agreed the party, which performs best in polls tomorrow, will be supported in the governorship and House of Assembly elections on March 9.

    The source explained the alliance structure will spell out how the interest of the remaining two parties will be taken care of if the alliance succeeds in winning the election.

    “They agreed to wait for the result of the presidential and National Assembly election to determine which party will be supported in the governorship election.

    “They will review the result and work out the modalities for taking care of the interest of the two supporting parties. It will be a pure alliance,” the source said.

    If the alliance succeeds, the major parties in the governorship election will be three.

    This will put the APC and PDP on their toes as the three struggles to gain voters’ support.

  • PDP to voters: don’t be scared by shoot-at-sight order

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has urged voters across the country not to be scared by what the party described as a shoot-at-sight directive against would-be ballot box snatchers.

    President Muhammadu Buhari had, during the week, ordered the military and other security agencies to deal ruthlessly with anyone caught snatching ballot boxes during Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections.

    Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus urged Nigerians to be focused and refuse to be intimidated as they go out to cast their votes.

    The party chair described the President’s directive a ploy to manipulate the result of the elections.

    Secondus said: “When the President threatened the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after the elections, the intention was to frighten and cow them into playing along with the All Progressives Congress (APC) agenda.

    “When they harass, arrest and block bank accounts of the opposition stakeholders, what they want is to win at all cost.

    “When they drag military institutions into politics, the aim is obviously to destroy that institution the way they are doing to the legislature and the judiciary.

    Read Also: PDP’ll be defeated on Sat, says Tinubu

    “But I urge you Nigerians to refuse to be intimidated or provoked but remain focused and fix your eyes on the ball, which is victory that is coming on Sunday.”

    The chairman appealed to stakeholders in the election, particularly the INEC, security agencies and political party agents, to remember that the election is about Nigeria.

    “This election is about rescuing this country, it’s about sustaining our democracy”, he added.

    Chairman of the Strategy Committee of the PDP Presidential Organisation, Osita Chidoka, said that the world is watching Nigeria and urged voters to be patient, peaceful and tolerant.

    He urged Nigerians to demonstrate to Africa and the world that the country is irrevocably committed to democracy, transparency and the rule of law.

    Chidoka said the PDP had learnt its lessons from previous elections and was determined to give Nigerians the confidence that their votes, as expressed at the ballot, will count.

    According to him, the PDP is fully prepared to resist intimidation, extra judicial procedures and partisanship on the part of security agencies.

    Chidoka said: “We remind security agencies that it is only an election and not a war against Nigerians. The choice of language of the government and security chiefs leaves us with the impression that the peaceful election of 2015 is not the model for 2019 election.

    “We call on the military, the police, and all other security agents to do their patriotic duty to the citizens of this great country, hold true to their legal mandate, display their commitment to the rule of law, act with restraint and in accordance with the law.  Regardless of party, our security forces serve and protect Nigeria and her citizens first.

    “As the party to beat in this election, we assure Nigerians that we are prepared to work with voters to #DefendYourVote.

    “Our innovative Simultaneous Vote Count System (SVC) has been deployed to ensure that the result of the polling units remain the trusted source to validate the final collated results.

    “The SVC is a crisis de-escalation mechanism that will assure that PDP members accept the results of a free and fair election and that the country remains peaceful and respectful of its differences”.

     

  • Seven PDP members arrested for alleged PVCs racketeering

    Seven members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State have been arrested for illegal collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from eligible voters in Ikere Ekiti.

    The House of Assembly member representing Ikere Constituency 1, Wale Ayeni, who allegedly masterminded the voter cards racketeering was said to be on the run.

    Ayeni escaped being arrested by the whiskers when the policemen swooped on his situation office in Oke’kere area of the town where the alleged PVCs racketeering was going on.

    The armed policemen believed to be acting on tip off stormed the area few minutes before 1pm and recovered unspecified number of PVCs from the suspects.

    Ayeni was said to have blocked the federal highway that passes through the area gathering eligible voters to collect their cards.

    Read Also: PDP are jesters, says Ondo APC

    The operation caused confusion as the seven other PDP members allegedly assisting Ayeni to collect the PVCs were apprehended by the policemen.

    Party members arrested are said to be cooling their heels in the custody of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) where they are relaying all they know about the incident.

    The lawmaker is the Deputy Director General of PDP Presidential Campaign Council in charge of Ekiti South senatorial district of which Ikere is part.

    Ayeni could not be reached on his mobile phone at the time of filing this report.

    When contacted, Police spokesman Caleb Ikechukwu said the report of the incident was yet to be brought to his office.

     

  • Igbos criticize Nwodo over comments on Buhari’s administration

    ….say Ohaneze Leader lack wisdom to lead Ndi’Igbo
    A socio-political organization, the Igbo in Nigeria Movement (INM) has lashed out at Chief John Nnia Nwodo (Jnr), the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo over recent comments on President Muhammadu Buhari.
    In a foul-mouthed attack, among others, Mr Nwodo alleged that the current administration has “become so ethnicised that it has reminded people of their homes”.
    These recent utterances didn’t come as a surprise owing to the Ohanaeze’s leadership failed alliance with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar at the last election.
    However, it appears as though that even Nwodo’s south-eastern brothers are utterly frustrated with his bigotry and sentimental outbursts.
    In a statement signed by the president,  Maxi Ifeanyi Igwe, the IMN frowned at his comments as it is not a true position of the Igbos who wholly supports the president.
    According to the group, Mr Nwodo lacks the requisite wisdom to lead Ndi’Igbo and should desist from making statements that could whip ethnic sentiments in Igbo land and by extension Nigeria.
    “ John Nwodo’s outburst is unbecoming of an elder statesman that is meant to serve as a uniting figure and not a divisive figure in the country and within the people of the South East region in Nigeria. His ethnic agitation is uncharitable and against the wishes of the people of the South East region,” the statement began.
    “ The Igbos in Nigeria Movement thinks that what the country needs at this material time is unity and not division as exemplified by John  Nwodo in his cancerous and unguarded statement.
    “While it is appropriate for John  Nwodo to support the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the recently held general elections, it is, however, inappropriate for him to continue to express his frustrations as that of the generality of the Igbos in Nigeria.
    “ It is, therefore, our considered opinion the ethnic card that is capable of putting the Igbo nation at war with other ethnicities in Nigeria. What Nigeria needs is healing and not war. This Nwodo should know better.
    “ While it is common knowledge that many groups including churches, development partners, religious and ethnic associations, have all come out to congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari over his resounding victory at the polls, the likes of Nwodo instead is reminding President Muhammadu Buhari that the Igbos didn’t vote for him and as such does not deserve any political appointment.
    “ INM, views such statements as highly divisive and against the interest of the Igbo race and as such Nwodo must discontinue his attempt to cause disaffection and pandemonium in Igbo land by promoting his personal hateful as that of Ndi’Igbo .
    “ The INM also wishes to remind Nwodo that he is ultimately setting up the Igbos against the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, an act that is unbecoming of an elder statesman. It is his game plan that no Igbo should be considered for any sensitive position hence the timing of his outburst.
    “ The INM hopes that Nwodo has not allowed himself to be used by some unscrupulous people to tarnish his image and that of the Igbo race by deliberately whipping up a hornets’ nest that would serve the Igbo race no good.
    “ The Nwodo that we used to know would not engage in acts that would put the Igbo race at grave danger, but we are afraid to state that the recent posturing of Nwodo is strange and inimical to the interest of the Igbo race. This he must retrace immediately.

    Read Also: Group knocks Ohanaeze Ndigbo for endorsing Atiku

    “ Consequently, we wish to state emphatically that the Igbo in Nigeria Movement and all Igbo sons and daughters disassociates from Nwodo’s statement and wishes to place it on record that his views do not represent the thinking of majority Igbo sons and daughters across Nigeria but that of a few in the journey of infamy with Nwodo.

    “ The INM wishes to place it on record that Igbo sons and daughters have decided to come together in total support for the success of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari towards taking Nigeria to greater heights.
    “ It is now a known fact that despite several attempts by Nwodo and his minions to smear the reputation of Buhari in the south-east and the rigging plots by the opposition party, our people still voted for President Buhari   overwhelmingly and will continue to stand by his administration including the security agencies where he has appointed very competent hands.
    “ The likes of Nwodo and his associates should quit polluting the atmosphere with their toxic messages and behave like elder statesmen that are desirous of the continued unity, peace and progress of Nigeria.
    “ And anything short of this would be resisted by the Igbos in Nigeria Movement (INM) as we will mobilize the people to reject them. We also warn that Nwodo only fears people like Nnamdi Kanu who has lost touch with our highly reverend custom and tradition in Igboland.”

     

     

  • I’ll sell NNPC, if elected president, Atiku insists

    People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar yesterday in Kaduna reiterated his resolve to privatise the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), if elected President in Saturday’s polls.

    Atiku, who spoke while interacting with stakeholders from the 23 local government areas of Kaduna State at the Trade Fair Complex, said his resolve to sell the national asset was informed by the fact that NNPC has since inception in 1963 failed to meet its expectation of refining crude oil for the country’s consumption.

    He insisted that he would sell off the NNPC to provide more development.

    His decision, Atiku added, was based on the fact that only very few were benefiting from the operations of the national asset at the expense of the Nigerian people.

    Towards this, Atiku challenged President Muhammadu Buhari, who is equally the Minister of Petroleum, to relinquish the running of the NNPC to ordinary people to show his level of sincerity.

    He said contrary to the widespread rumours that he would sell the NNPC to himself, “the NNPC will be sold to Nigerians with money to buy it.”

    Atiku added that PDP under the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration has made many Nigerians millionaires.

    “Its 63 years that Nigeria found crude. But up till now, we are yet to refine petrol and kerosene by ourselves. We have refinery in Kaduna, Warri and Port Harcourt ,but saboteurs stopped them from working. “

    He also said his government would not be run by any cabal as is being experienced by the present government.

    He averred that the present government of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has inflicted the nation with pains and poverty because, according to him, the President was not in-charge.

    On his part, the National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus told the  state stakeholders to resist every form of provocation to warrant postponement of election in the state.

    According to him, “The governor is running from one place to another seeking federal support to shift election; all such efforts will fail.”

  • Delta youths endorse Atiku, Okowa others

    CONCERNED Youth Presidents (CPP) in Burutu Local Government in Delta State, yesterday, endorsed the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

    The group also endorsed PDP candidates in the state, urging youths in Burutu council to re-elect Governor Ifeanyi  Okowa and his deputy, Kingsley Burutu Otuaro.

    The group spoke in a statement signed by over 10 youth groups from Burutu.

    CPP described Okowa as a “development guru and a friend to youths,” adding that Deltans were not ready to trade Okowa’s ambition for anything as his work was visible everywhere.

    Other candidates endorsed were Sen. James Manager; Julius Pondi (House of Representatives for Burutu Federal Constituency); Asupa Forteta House of Assembly for Burutu North); and Pullah Ekpotuayerin (House of Assembly for Burutu South).

    The statement reads: “As youth presidents in Burutu Local Government in Delta State, we can’t  watch any longer, we are aware Nigeria is the headquarters of poverty in the world, there is high level of insecurity … and an alarming rate of unemployment.

    “Hunger and hardship at its highest level; Judiciary in a comatose state and a Nigeria that is not working. We have resolved that there is need to test Atiku…the present government is like a nightmare to our people…

    “It is in our interest as Ijaw that Sen. Manager should be returned to represent Delta South once more. He is high ranking, he knows the job, and has been delivering…

    “Julius Pondi, member representing Burutu  in the House of Representatives, is a rare leader in Burutu politics and Delta State, as a first timer, he does not appear so, he has transformed the lives of youths in Burutu and Niger Delta.

    “…he has performed well, projects have been influenced to communities… he had also been instrumental in many appointments in the council, he is loved by the people and is a voice to reckon with…

    “Asupa Forteta is one leader the people will always queue behind, he has this penchant for the development, he has been doing his part in the emerging new Burutu. He has the people at heart, we will not waver in sending him to represent Burutu North in the House of Assembly.

    “We will also vote Mr. Pullah Ekpotuayerin, PDP candidate for Burutu South to represent the constituency in the House of Assembly, we are ready to deliver you all during the elections,” the youth presidents said.

  • Police confirm attack on Kwara APC senatorial candidate, others

    The Kwara State Police Command yesterday confirmed the attack on the campaign train of Kwara South senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Lola Ashiru, by suspected Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) thugs loyal to its Kwara South senatorial candidate, Senator Rafiu Ibrahim in Ojoku, Oyun Local Government Area.

    Police spokesperson Ajayi Okasanmi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said: “We received with astonishment the reported attack unleashed on Lola Ashiru, the APC senatorial candidate for Kwara South and his campaign train in Ojoku, Oyun Local Government Area, on Tuesday evening.

    “Immediately the report was received, Police Commissioner Kayode Egbetokun dispatched to the scene of the attack at Ojoku a team of policemen, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Ilemona and the Squadron Commander, 68 PMF, Offa.

    “The teams successfully brought the situation under control, rescued the candidate unhurt and arrested suspects, who were actively involved in the attack and restored peace.

    “A manhunt for the remaining fleeing suspects has since begun while discreet investigation of the incident is ongoing.

    “For the umpteenth time, the command is restating its commitment to the safety of lives and property of the people of Kwara State. It warns that hooliganism, thuggery, unlawful possession of firearms and other weapons will be met with superior forces and suspects arrested will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

    “Political party leaders are reminded of the peace accord they signed with respect to political campaigns in the state.

    “The command is appealing to the victims of this attack and their sympathisers not to resort to self-help but to have confidence in the command that justice will not only be done but will be seen to have been done in this case.”

  • Two APC members shot dead by suspected PDP thugs in Kwara

    The Kwara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday said two of its members were shot dead by suspected Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) thugs during a senatorial campaign tour at Ojoku in Oyun Local Government Area.

    Oyun is the home town of Senator Rafiu Ibrahim, who is also the PDP senatorial candidate for Kwara South in this Saturday’s National Assembly election.

    The attackers were also said to have injured eight APC members and vandalised 20 vehicles belonging to APC Kwara South senatorial candidate, Lola Ashiru, during his campaign tour of Ojoku on Tuesday evening.

    But the PDP claimed that the APC thugs first attacked its members where six persons sustained bullet wounds.

    Addressing reporters in Ilorin, the state capital, APC Chairman Lola Ashiru said: “On Tuesday, February 19, the APC senatorial candidate for Kwara South, Lola Ashiru, took his electioneering campaign to Ojoku Ward. In line with tradition, he and his team paid a courtesy visit to the Olojoku of Ojoku in his palace.

    “After the courtesy visit to the kabiyesi, the team came out of the palace to proceed to the venue of the rally. They had barely come out of the palace when they were ambushed by PDP thugs who, apparently, had been lurking around the palace. The attackers, who were armed with various weapons, started shooting at the APC members and supporters who accompanied our candidate to the palace.

    “The policemen, who accompanied our candidate’s campaign train, tried to repel the attackers but they were massively overwhelmed. Ashiru was quickly taken away from the place and he remained in hiding for over two hours before police reinforcement came to rescue him.

    “From all indications, this is a pre-meditated attack, and it is clear that the attackers came not just to disrupt the campaign but to assassinate our candidate. While we mourn our members who died and pray for the quick recovery for the injured, we thank God for saving the life of our candidate who, as I said, was the obvious target of the thugs.

    “We were reliably informed that the attack was allegedly coordinated by the PDP candidate for the Kwara South Senatorial District, Senator Rafiu Ibrahim, who hails from the same place (Ojoku) where our members and supporters were attacked.

    “We are using this occasion to call on security agencies to immediately arrest all the perpetrators of the violence at Ojoku and bring them to justice. In particular, we demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of the alleged coordinator of the violence, Senator Rafiu Ibrahim.

    “We are also reiterating our earlier call on the security agencies to immediately arrest all known thugs and other criminals across our state so that they will not disrupt Saturday’s elections and the subsequent ones. We need to rid Kwara of all thugs and hoodlums in order to encourage the good people of the state to come our in large numbers to exercise their franchise on Saturday, and also to provide a level playing field for all the parties.

    “In the meantime, we appeal to all our members and supporters across the state to remain calm, in spite of the provocation from the desperate PDP. The best revenge against the PDP is for all our teeming members and supporters to punish the party at the polls on Saturday.”

    The Lola Ashiru Campaign Organisation said the attack “on our campaign entourage ranks among the worst form of political terrorism in this part of the senatorial district”.

    Its Director General, Femi Whyte, addressed reporters in Offa town, Offa Local Government Area.

    Whyte identified one of the dead as Samson Adeosun, who he said died at the General Hospital in Offa.

    He said: “Three persons reported to be missing have been found but not in stable condition, probably due to the psychological effect of the attack.

    “The Olojoku of Ojoku expressed great shock and felt so bad that such a crazy action happened in his territory and that his subjects could lay siege to a prominent personality without regard to his stool and authority.

    PDP State Chairman Kola Shittu condemned the attack on the party’s members.

    He said suspected APC thugs on the campaign train of Ashiru shot eight PDP members during the attack.

    The party chairman said the victims were receiving treatment at the Offa General Hospital and other private hospitals.

    In a statement, Shittu condemned the violent attack on its members and asked security agencies to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators and their sponsors.

    Shittu described the attack as unfortunate, ill-conceived and barbaric, adding that it again revealed the violent disposition of the opposition.

    He said: “This latest brazen attack on our members and supporters in Ojoku has yet again further showcased the violent disposition of the APC, which we have always alerted Kwarans and security agencies to…”

    Also, the APC has petitioned security agencies over the gruesome attack on the party’s senatorial candidate for Kwara South, Lola Ashiru, by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Rafiu Ibrahim.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja, the nation’s capital, by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, APC said the deadly attacks occurred in Ojoku town in Kwara South Senatorial District.

    It said eight people were badly injured while two others were shot dead.

    The statement added: “The palace of the Olojoku of Ojoku, HRH Oba Abdulganiy Adegboyega Afolabi, was not spared in the attacks: the royal father was also stoned, according to credible and verifiable independent accounts.

    “We have reproduced below a transcript of a victim’s account of the attacks: ‘Ojoku has been turned into a killing field with many residents fleeing to neighbouring communities for their safety. Eight people were shot; two others died. The Army rescued us and we are at Offa General Hospital.

    “‘Olojoku palace was terribly attacked, our kabiyesi was stoned. I can tell you that Ashiru and I escaped death by a whisker. It was a terrible experience. May Allah forgive the souls of the two who fell by their gunshots.

    “‘Senator Rafiu Ibrahim was sighted running away from a hotel in the community moments after the attacks.

    “‘I can confirm to you that he (Senator Ibrahim) masterminded this attack because I was there when Olojoku called him. His first statement was that it was APC fighting against APC. Olojoku cursed him in our presence and said he would never get to that position again.’

    “The APC hereby calls on security agencies to fish out and arrest Senator Rafiu Ibrahim Adebayo, who we learnt has since gone into hiding. Such murderous crimes cannot be swept under the carpet in the name of politics. The senator and his accomplices must face the law for their heinous crimes…”