By Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The Special Adviser to the Sokoto State Governor on Rural Roads, Hon. Malami Muhammad Galadanchi Bajare, has denied allegations that he mobilised and led thugs to attack a peaceful procession organised by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto.
Bajare made the denial on Thursday while addressing journalists in Sokoto, describing the allegations as a misrepresentation of what transpired during the incident.
He said the APC Sokoto Central Senatorial District Zonal Office, located near the Old Savannah Bank area where the ADC operates, had existed for more than 15 years and was well known to residents.
“Everybody in Sokoto knows we have an APC Zonal Office in that area for the past 15 years. Between Savannah Bank and our zonal office, there is no difference of five plots. If they don’t want trouble, why open an office there?” he queried.
Bajare explained that the APC had planned to receive more than 2,750 defectors from the ADC at its zonal office on the day of the incident.
He alleged that some ADC supporters blocked APC members and seized two motorcycles belonging to his party members.
According to him, he personally intervened after learning about the incident to prevent his supporters from retaliating and escalating the situation.
“They blocked some of our people and collected two motorcycles. Our people said they must go and collect them. As a leader, I felt I should not allow that to happen. I went there by myself,” he said.
The governor’s aide stated that the matter was subsequently handled in the presence of security personnel, including the Divisional Police Officer and the Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
He added that video recordings of the incident were available.
Bajare further said one of the motorcycles was later recovered from the ADC office, adding that it was agreed that the motorcycle should be taken to the Civil Defence office for its owner to claim with valid documents.
He denied allegations of attacking women during the ADC procession, describing the claims as an attempt to create tension ahead of the elections.
The special adviser also criticised the opposition party and accused the previous administration of failing to deliver infrastructure and housing projects.
“They are not ready for this election. They are trying to create problems in the state,” he alleged.
Bajare maintained that the APC administration had not prevented opposition parties from conducting lawful political activities in Sokoto State.
He urged residents to assess the performance of the present administration, citing regular payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities, as well as infrastructure and housing projects in Kalambaina and other areas.
He also appealed to the people of Sokoto State to support continuity and consolidate the achievements of Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto.
The ADC had earlier accused the APC and Hon. Bajare of involvement in the alleged attack on its supporters. However, Bajare denied the allegations and presented his account of the incident.
