From Premium Times Nigeria · Ahmed Tukur · · 3m
Nasarawa Governor Orders Violence Probe
Nasarawa State Governor orders investigation into APC presidential rally violence.
In brief
Nasarawa State Governor orders investigation into APC presidential rally violence. Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule ordered an investigation into security agencies' conduct during violent disruption of APC presidential rally in Lafia. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
Governor orders probe
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule ordered an investigation into the conduct of security agencies and suspects during violent disruption of APC presidential campaign rally in Lafia.
Violence at rally
The governor gave the directive on Thursday during an expanded State Executive Council meeting at Government House, Lafia, following clash that reportedly left about 40 people injured.
Tear gas use questioned
Governor Sule questioned the circumstances surrounding the use of tear gas at the rally, particularly around the podium.
Embarrassment to VP
The governor described the incident as embarrassing and unacceptable, especially given the presence of the vice president who attended the rally on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
VP embarrassment
The embarrassment was not to the state or the Presidential Campaign Council alone. It was an embarrassment to the Vice President on behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Investigation scope
The governor directed security agencies to invite and question everyone suspected of having a role in the incident, irrespective of their previous positions or status.
Beyond arrests
He insisted that the investigation should go beyond arresting a few suspected youths, stressing that those who allegedly planned, sponsored, or masterminded the disruption must also be identified and held accountable.
No quick fix
The governor stated that they cannot, at the end of the day, after having such an embarrassment, just go and arrest five or six Almajiris and say that is the end of it.
Pre-planned violence
Governor Sule expressed concern over reports that some individuals had allegedly planned to disrupt the rally before it took place.
VP convoy attack
He further cited the reported attack on the Vice President’s convoy and the throwing of an object suspected to be a shoe towards the podium where Shettima and other governors were standing.
Political violence warning
He warned against allowing political disagreements to degenerate into violence, cautioning that such developments could threaten peace and stability in the state.
State ungovernable
I don’t want us to behave like them. If we behave like them, believe me, the state will become ungovernable.
Security agencies praised
While commending the military, the State Security Service (SSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for their intervention during the incident.
State government linked
Earlier, the state government had linked former governor and senator, Umaru Al-Makura, as well as the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate and former Inspector-General of Police, Adamu Abubakar, to the violence.
State government statement
The government described the incident as an ignoble act allegedly perpetrated by some irate youths suspected of having connections with prominent personalities.
The big picture
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule ordered an investigation into security agencies' conduct during violent disruption of APC presidential rally in Lafia.
