Yero, El-Rufai trade blames over harassment of supporters

Kaduna State Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, though have expressed commitment to the peaceful conduct of the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state, have however, continued to trade blames over allegations of inciting supporters to acts of intimidation and harassment.

El-Rufai, who reacted to the accusation by the state government that the supporters of APC were not disposed to peaceful conduct of the forthcoming governorship polls, said that there has been no record to show that the party has sponsored violence or crisis even during its campaign, saying that the accusation by the government was misplaced.

At a press conference addressed by the Media Coordinator to El-Rufai Campaign Organisation, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, it was stated that the allegation being thrown by the PDP government in the state was informed by the unprecedented popularity enjoyed by El-Rufai among the people, stressing that “they are now whipping up sentiments, engaging in blackmail and all sorts and propaganda because their days are numbered in office.”

The media aide said, “We want peace and we are working for peace. And that is why we are spreading our tentacles across all the length and breadth of the state. We don’t tell people what we cannot do. We don’t talk of what we have not done and say that we have done them.”

“Last week, a community in Zaria held a press conference and said that the so-called development listed and mentioned by the governor is a mirage. So, El-Rufai is committed to peace. He will not do anything contrary to the maintenance of peace in Kaduna. Yes, the governor may issue threats and intimidate us, we will not say anything. But, all we know is that we shall soon meet during elections where the people of Kaduna will decide who governor them.”

El-Rufai argued further that “all we have been doing in our campaign is to put before the people in the State issue-based agenda bordering on the development in the State and we have continued to say that the present government has failed in its responsibility to promote the welfare of the people and promoting the development and growth of the state”.

“Let us address issues and not divert attention. We are committed peace and we shall continue to preach peace. And we have also told our supporters to be law abiding and not play into the hands of those who may want to use violence for other motives during the election.”

He also said that the APC in the State has recorded a large numbers of decampee members of the PDP into its camp in Zaria, adding “as I am speaking, the former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Samaila Lawal Yakawada and other prominent PDP stalwarts are expected to decamp to the APC.”

However, Governor, Yero has urged supporters of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to remain calm and law abiding even in the face of intimidation and threats from supporters of the opposition, APC.