The leader of the Concerned Mada Youths , Comrade Musa Aruwa, in a statement issued Saturday in Lafia, said that “in the realm of politics, it is not uncommon for politicians to employ various tactics to tarnish the reputation of their opponents.
Aruwa however noted that when tactics used by politicians are baseless allegations and unfounded accusations, it raises serious concerns about the mindset of the purveyors of such accusations.
“After exhausting all their poisonous darts at Dr. Ombugadu with no any visible impact, Governor A A Sule‘s handlers have now resorted to regurgitating an event that took place 10 years ago in order to inflame passions and cause ethnic tension in Nasarawa State – all in futile attempts to hold unto power after the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sacked A A Sule from office.
“Even though Governor Sule has appealed the verdict of the Tribunal at the Appeal Court, in a shocking turn of events, his handlers have engaged the over-drive gear by launching a smear campaign against Dr. Ombugadu linking him with the Ombatse group.
“The accusations were not only unfounded but also extremely dangerous, as such claims have the potential to stoke ethnic tensions and incite violence in a country already grappling with insecurity.”
Aruwa also noted that it was extremely ludicrous to propagate that the “victory of Ombugadu may raise ethnic cleansing in Nasarawa” because according to their allegations, he shares the same Eggon ethnic background with the Ombatse Group that was originally formed and armed in order to foist the CPC Government on Nasarawa State in the 2011 governorship election.
It is important for the gainsayers to note that no any single ethnic group can secure electoral victory in a highly diverse state like Nasarawa without the active support and participation of other tribes.
The victory of Ombugadu at the polls is a classic case of how all the tribes in Nasarawa came out and queued behind him to ensure that he succeeded. As such, his emergence as the governor, as confirmed by the Tribunal, is a victory for all the tribes and religions in Nasarawa State.
“It is true that no one can erase history, especially as recent as 10 years ago, but A A Sule’s handlers want to garb Ombugadu in an ethnic robe for the sole purpose of fomenting violence.
All their efforts to cast aspersions against his person have failed, so they have now resorted into throwing the poisonous darts, not minding the security implication of their actions.
“Let me refresh the memories of A A Sule’s minions that in states like Katsina, despite the nefarious activities of bandits, who are majorly from the Fulani ethnic group, the people of the state chose to elect a Fulani man because he proved to be the best alternative.
“We know that the motives behind linking Ombudagu with the Ombatse group is a desperate attempt to gain political advantage and undermine the democratic process by sowing the seeds of mistrust in the minds of the peace-loving people of the State.”
Adding: “It is evident that this is an unjust smear campaign that had no basis in reality. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the integrity of the political process and the dangers of playing with ethnicity in politics.”
Aruwa who challenged the ruling APC in the state to uphold the principles of democracy, said:, “it is crucial that such tactics are exposed and condemned, ensuring that the political landscape remains fair, just, and free from unfounded accusations.
“Those playing in volatile phrases like “ethnic cleansing” are ignorant of the dangers they posed. The Rwanda genocide is a case in point. Today, Rwanda is a leading light in Africa because the people put the past behind them and forged ahead in unity and progress.”
