By Sunusi Bature
Kano state chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended its planned 18th April peaceful protest against unlawful arrest, detention, intimidation, harassment and threats to life of members of the party by the trio of ruling All Progressive Congress, Kano state government and security agencies.
The party has decided to suspend the peaceful protest against the backdrop of noticing a relative progress over our concern on the violation of our members’ fundamental human rights. The DSS has yesterday evening released two of our members Salisu Yahaya Hotoro and Babangida Bangis who were unlawfully detained for twelve days.
We want to clearly state that; no amount of pressure will deter PDP as the leading opposition party from giving constructive criticism capable of promoting democracy. Our members will continue to enjoy the freedom of expression as provided by section 39 (A) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
It is with deep concern and displeasure that we condemn the gruesome attempts by the ruling APC and Kano state government under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to humiliate members of the opposition through blatant abuse of the principles of human right.
It is a known fact that some members of APC government had issued a threat to a number of PDP members, notable among them are the state PDP woman leader Hajiza Zainab Audu Bako, the Media Aide to Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso Hajia Binta Speaking and Mr. Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa who serves as the spokesperson to PDP governorship candidate Engr. Abba K. Yusuf, Salisu Yahaya Hotoro and Babangida Bangis among others. Our party members no longer feel secured as they are being inundated with series of frivolous accusations of one thing or the other at police stations and courts.
We urge the security agencies to as a matter of urgency commission a thorough investigation on the issue of threats to life which has been reported to them. We equally implore them to remain impartial in the discharge of their duties of protecting lives and properties of the citizens.
Members of our great party are advised to remain calm, law abided and continue to pray for the success of the party, else we have filed a strong petition at the Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Kano and Insha Allah our candidate will emerge victorious.
Signed
Alh. Shehu Wada Sagagi
Secretary, Caretaker Committee
People Democratic Party, Kano State Chapter
