Politics
Peter Mbah: Rescuing Enugu from the scourge of self-inflicted sit-at-home menace
By Barr. Ejeh Josh
Since the advent of the sit-at-home order by a group of non state actors—the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)—on August 9, 2021 in the Southeast zone of Nigeria, innocent people from the five states that constitute the zone had been brutally murdered in the most callous manner. It’s a case of brother killing brother. A case of family in disarray. A case of ingesting poison out of resentment and expecting your enemies to die. Both public facilities and private property have been destroyed by the group, and life under the prevailing atmosphere could be rightly described in the words of the English philosopher, Thomas Hobbes, as sliding into the state of nature with its brutality, nasty and shortness.
The group had draconically said, while declaring the order, following the extra-ordinary rendition of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the IPOB, from Kenya by the Federal Government of Nigeria, that every Monday, which is arguably the most important and fundamental business and transaction day of the week, would be set aside as non-work-day or what it called, sit-at-home day until the release of Mazi Kanu by the federal government.
Indeed, this order did not come without its attendant dire consequences on the people, their economy and general way of life. It is already the 91st sit-at-home Mondays—approximately 22 months since August 9, 2021. Nothing positive has come out of it other than unimaginable wanton slosh of blood, maiming, destruction of the economy, exodus of businesses from the zone and near collapse of public confidence and trust. Southeast economy is gradually grounding to the state of comatose. People are groaning in agony. Education is being raped and the human institution is violently defied by blood tasty monsters.
The sit-at-home impasse, to the Igbo man on the street, has become a torn on his flesh. It’s a crown of tears, blood and sorrow inflicted on them by those supposedly parading as their messiah. Things are no longer at ease. Their sources of livelihood have suffered devastating blow. The Igbo man lives in fear from all sides and corners of his abodes because of the trail of blood from the sit-at-home.
The IPOB and its leader, Mazi Kanu, over the past one year, had cancelled whatever remains of the sit-at-home order after taking a critical review of its implication on the people. Mazi Kanu, despite being on the gulag of the Department of State Security (DSS), warned against any enforcement of the order, even stressing that enforcers of such dastardly directive be treated as criminal elements and infiltrators sabotaging the people of the East.
To reiterate the call by Mazi Kanu that had distanced himself from the ruinous order, Emma Powerful, the spokesperson of the IPOB had written that: “We the global movement and family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by the great and indefatigable leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu wish to remind Biafrans in Biafra Land, friends of Biafra, and lovers of Biafra freedom across the world that Monday sit-at-home remains suspended.
“We are concerned that in some areas, especially rural areas, our people continue to observe Monday sit-at-home due to threats from criminal enforcers linking themselves to the IPOB movement. We have said it numerous times that the Monday sit-at-home is infamous and can not be allowed to continue.
“Mondays in Biafra Land has become a day for the Agent Provocateurs and the Nigeria Security Agencies to kill and destroy our land just because they want to blackmail IPOB.”
Despite this obvious statement putting an end to sit-at-home order, some elements who thrive in confusion, chaos and anarchy, and have made themselves enemies of the people and sworn adversaries of Mazi Kanu are parading themselves as enforcers of the said order leaving behind trails of blood and sorrow.
It’s time to end this primitive act that has set our people almost a century backwards. It’s time for the people to rise up and defend themselves, their collective will and the resilient Igbo spirit in them. It is time to heed to Mazi Kanu’s instruction, ignore these agents of darkness and desperation orchestrated by their selfish ends.
Their motives are clear from the onset of the struggle. They want to destroy the people of Southeast, and provoke the government into further keeping Mazi Kanu behind the bar. They are not representing the interest of the Igbo people, neither are they fighting for Mazi Kanu.
Nobody would doubt the ruthless consequences of the continuous sit-at-home on our psychic and economy. According to a report from the International Centre for Investigative Report (ICIR), over $12.215 billion or N5.375 trillion has been lost to sit-at-home since September 2021. This chilling figure was further corroborated by a study conducted by SBM Intelligence for DevEast Foundation Ltd/Gte putting the ongoing loss in the Southeast at about 30% of the gross domestic product of the zone’s economy. Transporters, one of the indispensable livewires of the economy in southeast is losing over N10 billion for each sit-at-home day. The Igbo people are known for trading as their primary occupation. In that sub-sector, the Southeast loses between N900 billion to N4 trillion. This means that every loss to the Southeast economy is a gain to the economy of other zones.
Enugu used to be the home of Nollywood, with an influx of tourists and students from other parts of Nigeria craving to study there. Entertainment industry was a big business in Enugu. The relaxation, hospitality, leisure and pleasure from the state led to it being tagged, “042”. Today, the sit-at-home syndrome has forced the entertainment industry, including Nollywood and hospitality out of the state. It’s time to end this craze and allow the glorious days of the “042” to return. How about our popularly “Roadblock Show?” It can only come back when we say no to sit-at-home.
To ensure that this self-affliction is brought to an end, Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, after taking a critical assessment of the impact of the notorious sit-at-home on the lives, education, economy, infrastructure, etcetera of the people, had to take a bold step that many have been hailing as a relief to the Igbo nation. Mbah’s decision to end the sit-at-home inanity is in the best interest of everyone living in the state. We cannot just continue this way and expect any meaningful development.
It’s time for the people to come out en masse, urge their brothers, siblings, colleagues, friends, partners, acquaintances to end the senseless hostilities against their soil and against their people. Anybody declaring, endorsing or enforcing sit-at-home order is an enemy of Ndi Igbo. It’s foolhardy to keep doing the same thing time and again and expect different answers. It’s time to change the narrative and strategy by embracing the call for dialogue extended by the governor. It’s time to drop your guns and embrace peace. It’s time to reason from the point of humanity. At the risk of repeating myself, sit-at-home has been disastrous to Enugu economy, to Southeast economy, to Ndi Igbo in general, depriving them of livelihood, turning the state into a blood field and harvest of sorrow.
While Governor Mbah was putting an end to the menace of sit-at-home, his approach should be commended. Rather than being confrontational against the belligerents, he was compromising, calling for truce. His highlights are as follows; an urgent call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider the release of Nnamdi Kanu to hasten the national healing process; a call for dialogue with those with genuine grievances for a roundtable discussion meant at bringing lasting peace; and a call for an end to sit-at-home. These are bold steps. He could have talked tough and deployed security forces to neutralize these elements enforcing sit-at-home because he has the power to do that. He, however, chose to toe a path of pacifism. This is a window of opportunity for the protagonists of sit-at-home to rethink their steps before it’s too late. They should recall it’s now “business unusual!”
As the people of Enugu eagerly await the tickling in of Mbah’s electoral promises through his disruptive innovation, it’s important to emphasize that these promises could only be achieved in a peaceful atmosphere. Enugu under the present administration is poised to run a private-driven economy through attraction of investors. The implication is that, with an atmosphere of peace and re-assurance, jobs will be created, youths will be empowered, industrialisation can be achieved, businesses will boom, and poverty can be eradicated without stress. However, with the current impasse of sit-at-home negating security, no investors will want to sink its money in an atmosphere of uncertainty, fear and insecurity. This is why everyone in the state must come out, support the government by taking back their once peaceful state from hoodlums masquerading as freedom fighters. You don’t fight for freedom only to turn your people into animals to be slaughtered. Ndi Enugu must stand to their feet and resist criminals and agents provocateurs being sponsored by few selfish anti-Igbo individuals to destroy the zone.
It’s time for us to take our Enugu state back from enforcers of sit-at-home. It’s time to even commend Mbah for the bold step of ensuring adequate security measures for the protection of lives and property. Driving through the state, one could see the presence of security personnel in all the locations and spots of entry. One could notice fighters jets flying around for intelligence gathering just to make sure our people could go about their normal businesses. We must come out in our numbers on Monday; from transporters to marketers, bankers, artisans, hospitals, malls, and what ever you are to show victory over the darkness of sit-at-home. Ignore any fake news or propaganda purportedly discrediting the cancellation of the sit-at-home. The fake news is coming from those living the life of waste and debauchery there in Finland with their family members. Ndi Enugu, it’s time to show that we are the owners of the state. Anarchy must not be allowed to fester in our beautiful Coal City State.
By Tony Edike
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has urged the South-East to support President Bola Tinubu, arguing that strategic political alliances and the Federal Government’s investments in the region are essential to driving industrialisation, creating jobs and securing a better future for its people.
Mbah said the South-East should prioritise its economic interests and developmental needs over political sentiments, pointing to the establishment of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), the proposed regional gas pipeline and investments in road and airport infrastructure as reasons the region should strengthen its relationship with the Tinubu administration.
The governor made the call during the inauguration of the Enugu State APC Campaign Council, where he highlighted the potential benefits of the Federal Government’s interventions and urged the people to consider the long-term implications of their political choices.
Governor Mbah at the Inauguration of Enugu APC campaign council
He argued that although the South-East gave Tinubu limited electoral support during the 2023 presidential election, the region should recognise the importance of his administration’s willingness to support projects capable of transforming its economy.
According to Mbah, the region must pursue strategic political engagement that can attract investments, expand economic opportunities and strengthen its position in national affairs.
“We are not doing this out of blind loyalty. We are doing it because of the interests of our people and because we are committed to their welfare,” the governor said.
SEDC, Gas Pipeline Key to South-East Development
Mbah described the establishment of the South-East Development Commission as a significant step towards addressing the region’s developmental challenges and advancing its economic aspirations.
He said the proposed gas pipeline, expected to connect major cities across the South-East, could provide the reliable energy supply needed to attract industries, support existing businesses and generate employment for the region’s growing population.
The governor maintained that the project should be viewed beyond the physical infrastructure involved, stressing that its greatest value would lie in the economic opportunities it could create for young people.
“When you talk about a pipeline, you probably only see some steel that may be buried in the ground. But it is beyond those steel pipes. It is about our children. It is about keeping our children here. It is about industrialising the South-East, creating employment and empowering our young people to believe in the future again,” he said.
Mbah explained that reliable energy infrastructure would encourage industrial development, create jobs and reduce the pressure on young people to leave the region or travel abroad in search of better opportunities.
He said the proposed investments could help create an environment where young people could access quality education, establish businesses and build sustainable careers within the South-East.
The governor also noted that the idea of establishing a development commission for the region had existed for decades, describing the SEDC as an important institutional platform for addressing the South-East’s economic and infrastructure needs.
Airport, Road Investments to Strengthen Regional Economy
Mbah also cited road infrastructure and the development of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu as important areas in which Federal Government support could improve the region’s economic prospects.
He said improved road networks would facilitate the movement of people and goods, connect communities to markets and strengthen commercial activities across Enugu State and the wider South-East.
On the airport, the governor highlighted the importance of developing cargo facilities and improving international connectivity to support trade, attract more airlines and expand access to domestic and foreign markets.
According to him, effective cargo infrastructure could reduce the logistical difficulties faced by businesses in the region, particularly the additional costs associated with transporting goods through Lagos before moving them to the South-East.
He maintained that improved transportation and logistics infrastructure would reduce business costs, enhance competitiveness and make the region more attractive to investors.
For Mbah, these projects demonstrate why the South-East should consider the economic benefits of constructive engagement with the Federal Government when making political decisions.
‘Prioritise Development Over Political Sentiments’
The governor urged the people of the South-East to assess political leaders based on their commitment to development and the tangible benefits their policies and investments could deliver.
He argued that political decisions should not be driven solely by emotions, personal considerations or past electoral differences, but should reflect the long-term interests of the people.
Mbah maintained that supporting Tinubu should be considered within the context of the opportunities the region could gain from ongoing and proposed infrastructure projects.
He said stronger political cooperation could improve the South-East’s ability to attract further investments, create employment and participate more effectively in national development.
The governor’s argument is that the region’s political strategy should be guided by practical considerations, including infrastructure development, industrial growth, job creation and the welfare of future generations.
He stressed that the ultimate objective should be to create an economy capable of providing opportunities for young people and enabling businesses to thrive without forcing residents to seek better prospects elsewhere.
Mbah: APC Will Campaign on Achievements
The governor also commended the chairman and members of the Enugu State APC Campaign Council, alongside party executives, for their efforts in organising the campaign council.
He described the inauguration as the beginning of the party’s campaign activities and expressed confidence that the APC would present its achievements to the electorate.
According to him, the party intends to focus on its record of performance rather than make promises unsupported by evidence.
Mbah urged residents to assess the administration by examining projects and developments around them.
He maintained that the APC’s campaign would highlight infrastructure investments, economic opportunities and policies that the party believes could improve the lives of the people.
The governor’s message to the South-East was that political support should be linked to the pursuit of regional development, with the proposed gas pipeline, the SEDC and improvements to transportation infrastructure serving as key considerations in determining the region’s political direction.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has unveiled its National Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections, with the party’s National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, named chairman and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, appointed co-chairman.
The council also includes the party’s National Chairman and vice-presidential candidate, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, as vice-chairman, while its National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, will serve as co-vice-chairman.
Mallam Ibrahim Hussain Abdulkarim has been named council secretary and Director-General.
The party said the council would coordinate its nationwide campaign and mobilise support for its vision of a “new, just, and prosperous Nigeria”.
Below is the full list of members.
National Campaign Caucus
His Excellency, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson CON — Chairman / NDC National Leader
His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi CON — Co-Chairman / NDC Presidential Candidate
Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe — Vice Chairman / NDC National Chairman
His Excellency, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso CON — Co-Vice Chairman / NDC Vice Presidential Candidate
Mr. Babachir Lawal — Member / Chairman, National Campaign Advisory Council
Barr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu — Council Secretary / NDC National Secretary
Alh. Sidi Bomi Abdul — Member / Deputy National Chairman, North
Mr. Babatunde F. Alli — Member / Deputy National Chairman, South
Senator Ovie Omo Agege CFR — Member
Senator Victor Umeh OFR — Member / Representative NDC Senate Caucus
Mallam Ibrahim Hussain Abdulkarim — Member / DG, Presidential Campaign
Engr. Buba Galadima — Member
Prof. Yakubu Ochefu — Member
Professor Mahmud Gambo Jahun — Member
Hon. Moshood Salvador — Member
Mrs. Dudu Manuga — Member / NDC National Woman Leader
Hon. Victor Ogene — Member / Chairman NDC House of Representative Caucus
Hon. Muktar Usman — Member / Member NDC House of Representative Caucus
National Campaign Advisory Council
Mr. Babachir Lawal — Chairman, Campaign Advisory Council
Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe — Co-Chairman, Campaign Advisory Council
His Excellency, Dr. Sam Egwu CON — Vice Chairman, Campaign Advisory Council
Barr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu — Secretary, National Campaign Advisory Council
Dr. Danladi Abdulhameed Tambari — Member / Asst. Secretary, National Campaign Advisory Council
Chief Onyema Ugochukwu CON — Member / Abia State Representative
Obong Ini Okon — Member / Akwa Ibom State Representative
Hon. Oseloka Obaze — Member / Anambra State Representative
Madaki A. Mohammed mni — Member / Bauchi State Representative
Dr. O.O. Osusu OON — Member / Bayelsa State Representative
Dr. Tor Ujah — Member / Benue State
Ibrahim Alhaji S. Matawalle — Member / Borno State Representative
Chief Ugba Murphy — Member / Cross River State Representative
Prof. Pat Utomi — Member / Delta State Representative
Senator Roland Owie — Member / Edo State Representative
Sen. Akinyede Sola — Member / Ekiti State Representative
His Excellency, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo — Member / Enugu State Representative
Hon. Uche Okonkwo — Member / F.C.T. Representative
Prof. Iliya Ishaya Jalo — Member / Gombe State Representative
His Excellency, Chief Achike Udenwa CON — Member / Imo State Representative
Mallam Hassan Kabiru — Member / Jigawa State Representative
Joshua Makama — Member / Kaduna State Representative
Nasir Lawan Ahmad — Member / Kano State Representative
Dr. Ismail Iro — Member / Katsina State Representative
Alh. Ahmed Zayyanu Iliyasu — Member / Kebbi State Representative
Mallam Adamu Atta — Member / Kogi State Representative
Arc. Dr. Toma Audu Gana — Member / Kwara State Representative
Hon. Tunji Soyinka — Member / Lagos State Representative
Hon. David Zakaria — Member / Nasarawa State
Alh. Isa A. Kutugi — Member / Niger State Representative
Otunba Tope Niyi Taiwo — Member / Ogun State Representative
Chief Tope Adebambo — Member / Ondo State Representative
Hon. Razaq Mustapha Adeniyi — Member / Osun State Representative
Mr. Kayode Joseph — Member / Oyo State Representative
Manasseh Zakka Watyil — Member / Plateau State Representative
Sen. Ben Birabi — Member / Rivers State Representative
Alh. Jabbi Hassan Sifawa — Member / Sokoto State Representative
Hon. Dr. Philip Kafiya — Member / Taraba State Representative
Engr. Buba Galadima — Member / Yobe State Representative
Hon. Barr. Mohammed Sani Takori mni — Member / Zamfara State Representative
National Campaign Directorates
Mallam Ibrahim Hussain Abdulkarim — Director General
Ebubedike VinMartin Obiora Ilo — Deputy DG Admin, National Campaign Council
Alh. Tijjani Iya — Deputy DG North
Chief Barr. Fred E. Owotorufa — Deputy DG South
Mrs. Ndidi Mbagwu — Director Finance
Dr. Peter Onigah, NDC National Treasurer — Co-Director Finance
Folashade Aliu — Deputy Director Finance
Hon. Oseloka Obaze — Director Logistics and Operations
Mr. Wole Adedapo — Deputy Director Logistics and Operations 1
Ibrahim Tukur Gusau — Deputy Director Logistics and Operations 2
Osa Director, NDC National Publicity Secretary — Director of Communication & Media
Mr. Ikeddi Isiguzo — Deputy Director of Communication & Media
Dr. Constance Ikokwu — Campaign Spokesperson
Sonny Neme — Deputy Campaign Spokesperson 1
Dr. Sam Omale — Deputy Campaign Spokesperson 2
Anulka Rita Modebe — Campaign Spokesperson North Central
Rev. Wesley Gainaka — Campaign Spokesperson North East
Ibrahim Rabi’u Amana — Campaign Spokesperson North West
Nwosu Christopher Maduabuchukwu — Campaign Spokesperson South East
Dr. Isaiah Osifo — Campaign Spokesperson South South
Amb. Makinde Akinlade — Campaign Spokesperson South West
Mr. Zekeri Idris — Director New Media
Theophilus Abu — Deputy Director, New Media
Dr. Obinna Simon — Asst. Deputy Director, New Media
Dr. S.K.C. Ogbonnia — Director Policy, Research & Documentation
Barr. Shehu Muhammad Danmusa — Deputy Director Policy, Research & Documentation
Barr. Reuben Egwuaba — Director Legal Affairs
Barr. Vincent Otaokpukpu — Deputy Director Legal Affairs
Major General John Enenche (rtd) — Director Security and Intelligence
Ali Garba Sarbi — Deputy Director Security and Intelligence
Dr. Danlami Arabs Rukujei — Director Election Monitoring and Vote Protection
Hajiya Bilkisu Shu’aibu — Deputy Director Election Monitoring and Vote Protection
Mr. Daniel Elombah — Director Diaspora
Princess Maryam Tolofari Nyong — Co-Director Diaspora
Dr. Daniel Onifade — Deputy Director Diaspora
Comrade Adamu Abbas Ahman — Director Youth Mobilization
Idris Usman Audu — Deputy Director Youth Mobilization
Mrs. Dudu Manuga, NDC National Woman Leader — Director Women Mobilization
Binta Abba Gana — Deputy Director Women Mobilization
Dr. Maji Peterx — Director Civil Society & Support Groups Coordination
Abduljalal Idris (Aljazeera) — Deputy Director Civil Society & Support Groups Coordination
Dr. Shu’aibu Abdulrashid — Director Election Observers Liaison
Chief Abayomi Kuye Taiwo — Deputy Director Election Observers Liaison
Ms. Jackie Wayas — Director Protocol
Sharon Chukwuobasi — Deputy Director Protocol I
Alh. Abdulrazak Maaji — Deputy Director Protocol II
[Name Missing / Blank in Document] — Director Situation Room Management
Umar Mahmood — Deputy Director Situation Room Management I
Malate Peter — Deputy Director Situation Room Management II
Ms. Chinasa Issac-Oduka — Director Welfare
Mallam Nafiu Umar Dankura — Deputy Director Welfare I
Madaki Muhammad wMisau, mni. — Deputy Director Welfare II
Umar Usman Besse — Director of Organization
Hart Sylvanus Idabelema Handley — Deputy Director of Organization
Dr. Abdulmutallib Alhassan — Director, Information Communication & Technology
Boma N. Williams — Deputy Director, Information Communication & Technology
Brian Jonah Dennis — Asst. Director, Information Communication & Technology
Dr. Pillar Josemaria — Director, Medical
Dr. Ezra Dablet — Deputy Director, Medical
Abdullahi Akilo Jugunnu — Director, Persons with Disability.
State Campaign Coordinators
Senator Nkechi Nwogu, CON — State Campaign Coordinator (Abia)
Bamanga Tukur Jr. — State Campaign Coordinator (Adamawa)
Apostle (Dr.) David Okpon — State Campaign Coordinator (Akwa Ibom)
Hon. Ifeanyi Ibezim — State Campaign Coordinator (Anambra)
Sulaiman Muhammad — State Campaign Coordinator (Bauchi)
Prof. Silva Opuala-Charles — State Campaign Coordinator (Bayelsa)
Hon. (Engr.) Andrew Abba — State Campaign Coordinator (Benue)
Abdulkadir Fema — State Campaign Coordinator (Borno)
Rt. Hon. Eta Mbora — State Campaign Coordinator (Cross River)
Mr. Ken Pela — State Campaign Coordinator (Delta)
Professor Ben Odoh — State Campaign Coordinator (Ebonyi)
Hon. John Yakubu — State Campaign Coordinator (Edo)
Barr Babafemi Adegbite — State Campaign Coordinator (Ekiti)
Bishop Oscar Okwudili Ossai — State Campaign Coordinator (Enugu)
Alh. Garba Zagada Zagada — Gombe Campaign Coordinator (Gombe)
Chief Martins Agbaso — State Campaign Coordinator (Imo)
Alhaji Ado Waziri Kwalam — State Campaign Coordinator (Jigawa)
Ibrahim Mado — State Campaign Coordinator (Kaduna)
Abdullahi Musa — State Campaign Coordinator (Kano)
Dr. Zayyana Shehu — State Campaign Coordinator (Katsina)
Capt. Ladan Soja Bunza (Rtd) — State Campaign Coordinator (Kebbi)
High Chief Peter Ameh — State Campaign Coordinator (Kogi)
Hon. Anthony Dele Abiodun — State Campaign Coordinator (Kwara)
Mr. Ife Salako — State Campaign Coordinator (Lagos)
[Senatorial Candidate — Name Missing] — State Campaign Coordinator (Nasarawa)
[Senatorial Candidate — Name Missing] — State Campaign Coordinator (Niger)
Barr. Abimbola Lanre-Balogun — State Campaign Coordinator (Ogun)
Hon. Idowu Famusipe — State Campaign Coordinator (Ondo)
Hon Kunle Tiamiyu — State Campaign Coordinator (Osun)
Adeola Ebisemiju — State Campaign Coordinator (Oyo)
Prince Rwang Pam — State Campaign Coordinator (Plateau)
Mr. Zubi Nwuke — State Campaign Coordinator (Rivers)
Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar — State Campaign Coordinator (Sokoto)
Alh. Abdullahi Ade — State Campaign Coordinator (Taraba)
Ilu Bello Dambazau — State Campaign Coordinator (Yobe)
Ibrahim Tukur Gusau — State Campaign Coordinator (Zamfara)
Dr. Stephen Knabayi — FCT Campaign Coordinator (FCT)
Politics
Atiku accuses Tinubu, Okpebholo of enabling political violence after ADC supporter’s attack ADC presidential candidate Atiku
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of creating an environment that encouraged political violence.
The accusation followed an alleged attack on comedian Osagie Daniel Idedia, popularly known as Porkupyne, in Benin City.
In a post on X on Saturday, Atiku alleged that the comedian was attacked because he supported him and his demand for good governance and accountability in Edo State.
He condemned the incident and called for an urgent police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the brutal attack on comedian Osagie Daniel Idedia (aka Porkupyne), in Benin City, Edo State,” Atiku said.
He added that the incident was politically motivated, alleging that the comedian was targeted because he was his supporter.
Atiku held Okpebholo, Tinubu and the APC leadership responsible for what he described as a climate of impunity in which opposition supporters were allegedly intimidated and assaulted.
“Governor Okpebholo must explain what happened to Porkupyne, stop hiding behind official silence and prove that his government is not shielding political thugs,” he said.
The former vice-president also called on Tinubu and the APC to stop what he described as the brutalisation of opposition supporters, insisting that political differences should not expose citizens to violence.
He urged the police to identify those responsible for the alleged attack and investigate whether any individuals sponsored or facilitated it.
“The police must urgently investigate allegations of political involvement, identify the perpetrators and expose whoever sponsored or facilitated this cowardly attack,” Atiku said.
Atiku also appealed to Amnesty International and foreign missions in Nigeria to monitor the treatment of opposition supporters and document cases of alleged politically motivated violence ahead of the 2027 general election.
“I am formally drawing the attention of Amnesty International and all foreign missions in Nigeria to this deeply troubling incident,” he said.
He called for justice for Idedia and protection for Nigerians exercising their right to political choice and peaceful dissent.
“I demand immediate justice for Porkupyne and protection for every Nigerian exercising the right to political choice and peaceful dissent,” he added. (AriseNews TV)
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