Gov sokoto calls for United States intervention

Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has
appealed to United States Government to
intervene in the prevention of alleged
harassment of electorate in Saturday’s
governorship and state assembly elections.

Tambuwal made the appeal on Thursday when
he received the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr.
Stuart Symington, in Sokoto.
He told Symington that the just-concluded
Presidential and National Assembly Elections
witnessed harassment of leaders and loyalists
of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to him, many PDP members were
hounded and arrested by security agents on
the election day.
“Our appeal is to ensure the electorate in
whatever political parties are not
” Because our people were intimidated to the
extent of failing to discharge their civic duties
in the remaining elections, scheduled for
March 9.
“As such, I want to appeal to the US Envoy to
call on the Nigerian government to allow the
will of the people to be granted during the
forthcoming Governorship and State House of
Assembly elections.
“The opposition has engaged in post-election
violence, with attacks on citizens and razing
many properties and houses within and
outside the metropolis in the state, in a show
of terror against perceived opponents and
non-partisan members of the public,” he
said.
He thanked the envoy for the visit, describing
such as important for the peace and
development of democracy in the state.
Earlier, Symington said that he was in Sokoto
to encourage more peaceful atmosphere
throughout the electioneering period and
beyond.
“There is no any development that can come
without peace, so I appeal on all stakeholders
and the good people of Sokoto to ensure
peaceful polls,” he said. (NAN)