PDP wants ex-governors held over allegation of corruption, insecurity released unconditionally

Some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Ahmed Makarfi have called for unconditional release of the former Governors Alhaji Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Suswan (Benue) and Babangida Aliyu (Niger), who are currently being held over allegations of insecurity and corruption.

They made the call in a statement issued by Mr. Dayo Adeyeye, who spoke for them, on Monday, in Abuja.

The party men stated that their attention had once again been drawn to “unwarranted arrest and detention” of Lamido by men of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) in Kano State.

Adeyeye described the arrest of Lamido as “outrageous and anti-democratic” and not based on the frivolous allegation of ‘inciting the public’ levied against him.

“The true reason for his arrest, however, has to do with the forthcoming Local Government elections in Jigawa State.”

The arrest of former Governor Gabriel Suswan of Benue, according to the party, was also linked to the forthcoming Local Government elections in the state.

“We are therefore calling on the security agencies in the country to release unconditionally, Lamido, Suswam, former Governor of Niger State, Dr Babangida Aliyu, and all other political detainees in their custody,” the party stated.

Adeyeye added that PDP was also aware that members of the opposition would be in for a hard time in the run-up to the 2019 general elections with more arrests and intimidation of their prominent leaders.

He added that Lamido merely asked the people to defend their votes against rigging, saying “how is that a crime?

“If you are not planning to steal the peoples’ votes, why should you be afraid if the people are advised to defend their votes?

“Of course, no thief would want the owner to guide his house against burglary.”

The PDP recalled that prior to 2015 general election there were inciting statement credited ​to some members of the then opposition party and any arrest was never made.

“It was not a sign of weakness by the PDP led Government. It was in deference to freedom of speech, democracy and peace.”

The party, however, accused members of the ruling party of being the ones instigating the lawlessness in Kogi, Niger, Benue and now Jigawa State.

“If this ugly trend is not stopped forthwith, it may lead to breach of peace and public disorder,” the party warned