It has come to our notice that some persons seeking to score cheap political points have resorted to ascribing negative meanings to the recent call by Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero on supporters of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State not to succumb to blackmail and intimidation ahead of the next general elections.

Such persons have misconstrued the Governor’s appeal on PDP supporters to brave the storm ahead of the polls to mean a call to violence. To put the records straight and to disabuse the minds of the general public, Governor Yero never and will never call for violence in a state that he has the privilege of being Governor in the last two years.

It is however no longer news that some unscrupulous elements under the negative influence of some desperate politicians have resorted to threatening the liberty of people in the state to free democratic choices. Such people have hired thugs to threaten violence against anyone who dare express support to candidates of the PDP at all levels in some parts of the state. This is unacceptable and inimical to the basic principle of democracy anchored on the freedom of all citizens to support any party of their choice.

While such politicians are encouraging intimidation and coercion in the political space, Governor Yero deemed it necessary to stand by democracy by asking the people to reject such negative antics. The Governor only urged members of the PDP and indeed all peace loving citizens of Kaduna State to defend their democratic rights by resisting any attempt at narrowing their choices in the next elections. People should be free to support candidates of their choice no matter the part of the state that they may reside.

It is also on record that those now complaining of the Governor’s call said nothing when their foot soldiers attacked innocent citizens and destroyed campaign vehicles of opponents obviously under their directives. Such opportunists are obviously afraid that the Governor has exposed their ultimate plot, which is to capture political power through threats, blackmail and intimidation against the wishes of the majority of the people of Kaduna State.

Governor Yero wishes to reiterate his call for peaceful electioneering campaigns by all political parties and candidates. The Governor also calls on the entire citizens of Kaduna State to resist intimidation against their rights to free democratic choice. It is unacceptable and Government will not fold its arms and allow a minority few to intimidate the majority into submission.

The Governor therefore calls on the entire people of Kaduna State to remain calm and law abiding as security agencies have been directed to increase surveillance in order to defend the democratic rights of the people. Only those under the illusion of using threats, intimidation and coercion to garner political support should be afraid of Governor Yero’s position on this matter because their actions is contrary to the Rule of Law.

•Ahmed Maiyaki is Director General Media and Publicity to Governor Yero (shown in photo).

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