Bauchi State APC Deputy Chairman, Muhammad Alhassan
By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi
Bauchi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned in strong terms, recent leadership crisis that engulfed the State House of Assembly which has led to attempt to burn down the Assembly complex followed by violent attack on 22 members of the Assembly during which 6 were variously injured while their cars and guests house were vandalized.
The APC under the chairmanship of Babayo Aliyu Misau described the situation with great indignation, dismay and total condemnation of the broad-day robbery of democratic freedom, flagrant violation of the Rule of Law and violent attack on the members.
Addressing journalists at the APC office, its Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Muhammad Alhassan alleged that the development in the Bauchi State House of Assembly is being masterminded in the form of political intimidation, victimization and threat to political opponents by the Bauchi State Government led by the PDP.
He stated that, “It remains fresh in our memories, the recent utterances of the Bauchi State Governor after he lost the PDP Presidential Primaries in June, 2022 when he said in Hausa translated as thus: “We are out for battle, we are not afraid of evil plan, we are not afraid of charms, we are not afraid of dastardliness, we are not afraid of deceit, our morale were boasted, I wish the election holds tomorrow… Chaauu…”
He added that, “We further recall that in the month of July 2021, Governor Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir of Bauchi State had stated in a public address which was widely reported by the Press as follows:
“I know some leaders of the state who are busy bringing criminals to the State, I will talk when the time comes. … But certainly, we are not afraid of them. You have seen what is manifesting in Bauchi of recent, criminality everywhere, kidnapping and stealing, it is not just like that. We have security reports and we know those behind it. And because we are quiet, we are allowing everybody to go round in Bauchi, doesn’t mean that we cannot stop them. No matter how big a person is, we can stop him from coming to Bauchi… you will see a different Bala Mohammed from next month, because we have been keeping quiet for too long and people are taking us for granted.”
The APC added that, ‘The current unfolding events in Bauchi State would reveal that the Governor has began to actualize his utterances” .
It lamented that, “Following the passing of Vote of No-confidence on the leadership of the Bauchi State House of Assembly by majority of the state legislators on 1 July. 2022, a group of armed youth in high number were sent to attack the legislators at the Bauchi State House of Assembly on 4th July, 2022. However, upon useful hints, the Honourable members of the state legislature decided to converge at the Legislative Guest House at Sir Kashim Ibrahim Street, GRA Bauchi, where they were finally attacked by the armed youth”.
According to the APC, 6 Honourable members were beaten and injured graviously in addition to threat of murder and intimidation while their official and personal vehicles destroyed just as other personal valuables were carted away while the Guest House was destroyed severely and their phones were carted away by the youths.,
According to the APC Deputy Chairman, “We therefore categorically condemn this nasty act of violent attack and political intimidation to scare opponents before the 2023 general elections” .
“It will be a great disservice to the people of Bauchi State to stay arms folded, hands akimbo, while the state is being relegated and brought under siege of anarchy and curtailment of fundamental freedom of all people of Bauchi State” the party added.
The APC therefore called on the Bauchi State Governor to instead of using “our youths to threaten opponents, focus on fulfilling his campaign promises”.
“The people of Bauchi State are fully conscientized in that, such gimmicks will make no impact in our psyche owing to the imminent failure of this administration in Bauchi State.
It therefore called on the general public and People of Bauchi State to take note that, the APC strongly condemns the attack on members of the Bauchi State House of Assembly calling on the Federal Government and all security agencies to extradite action in securing the livers and properties of the people of Bauchi State and not to allow the State Governor operate on his whims and caprice.
It also called on all people and residents of Bauchi state to remain calm and shun all forms of violence particularly, as we prepare to exercise our franchise in the 2023 General Elections, remain as law-abiding and peaceful citizens while resisting all forms of threat and political
intimidation within the confines of the law.
