EKO HOT BLOG reports that the presidential flagbearer of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has reacted to the attack on his campaign convoy by thugs in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Atiku, through the PDP Presidential Campaign spokesperson, Senator Dino Melaye, confirmed that no fewer than 74 persons have been hospitalised while several vehicles were vandalised.
Melaye accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of trying to stop their campaign in the State by deploying thugs to attack them.
Similarly, a press release signed by the Media Adviser to Atiku, Paul Ibe, noted that hoodlums wielding the flag of the APC attacked the convoy of vehicles conveying dignitaries to the venue.
“It is rather unfortunate that the APC in Borno State mobilized some of its members to attack the convoy carrying dignitaries who had earlier paid a courtesy visit at the Shehu of Borno palace to the venue of the rally.
“While it is well understood that such barbaric behaviour is typical of the APC, it must be noted that this time around, it is specifically the last kick of a dying horse.
“The APC, apparently overwhelmed by the large turn of supporters to greet our presidential candidate, resorted to anti-democratic actions to scare the crowd away from the rally.
“It is a similar pattern to what happened during our rally in Kaduna State and it is important to call the attention of all stakeholders in peaceful elections in Nigeria to the dangerous actions being undertaken by the APC to disrupt our rallies, especially in the North,” Ibe said.
The presidential flag bearer thanked supporters of the PDP for attending the rally. During his address, Atiku told the gathering that if elected president in the election next year, he will ensure that the problem of insecurity is properly addressed, as well as bring activities at the Lake Chad Basin back to life and continue with the exploration of crude oil in Borno State.
“There are three major issues that are important to everyone in Borno State. The most important is that we must return this state to the true meaning of its title as the ‘Home of Peace’.
Therefore, my major agenda as far as Borno is concerned is to deal decisively with insecurity and return peace to this state and everywhere else.
“Secondly, I know that there has been an abandonment of activities around the Lake Chad Basin and this comes with attendant problems of people losing their means of livelihood.
So, I am going to provide a sufficient amount of resources in both security and infrastructure that will guarantee the safety of lives and property around the Lake Chad Basin.
“Thirdly, given the enormity of security challenges, the business of crude oil exploration in this state has been put on hold.
I will activate the necessary machinery that will ensure that crude oil fields in Borno State are explored, which will in turn make this state more economically viable,” Atiku stated.
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