Presidency Reacts To Attacks On Jonathan's Convoy

Special adviser to the president on political affairs, Prof Rufai Ahmed Alkali

In a reaction to the recent attacks on President Goodluck Jonathan’s convoy in Katsina and Bauchi states by suspected supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Presidency has reacted angrily.

Special adviser to the president on political affairs, Prof Rufai Ahmed Alkali

The reaction was contained in a statement issued on Friday, captioned “This Nonsense Must Stop”, issued by the special adviser to the president on political affairs, Prof Rufai Ahmed Alkali, a copy obtained by ThisDay.
Alkali, who warned that such nonsense must stop and called on the opposition party to caution its supporters, said the action of APC supporters was a negation of the non-violence peace pact signed recently in Abuja by all the presidential candidates.
“When the peace pact by the major political parties participating in the 2015 general elections was signed, Nigerians heaved a great sigh of relief in the belief that the tensions stocked up in the build up to the campaigns will subside. President Jonathan who is also the leader of the PDP blazed the trail in appending his signature to the historic document. General Muhammadu Buhari and leaders of other parties also signed, pledging a violence-free electioneering process and rejection of uncouth and inciting language.
“Unfortunately, while President Jonathan and the PDP have remained bound by the letters and spirit of the peace pact, supporters of the APC candidate are having a field day, violating all the terms of the pact and engaging in violence even on the person and entourage of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The successive incidents in Katsina and Bauchi States where irate youth supporters of the APC unleashed a reign of terror on the convoy of the President are ominous wind that blows no one any good. A situation where any citizen of Nigeria, least of all the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will be made unsafe in any part of Nigeria is unacceptable and stands condemned.
“Were it not for the maturity and professionalism of the security personnel on the convoy of the President, an ugly scenario provoked by these hooligans would have held sway. We commend the security agents for nipping the situation in the bud,” the statement reads.
The Presidency called on leaders of the APC “on whose behalf these dastardly acts where executed to call their attack dogs to order, in order to avert similar reprisal measures by overzealous supporters of other Parties.”
Alkali further noted that Jonathan remained firmly committed to the peace pact and has successfully reigned in his supporters to avoid violence or inciting statements, adding that the President’s campaign remains a quest for the total transformation of Nigeria and not an egocentric or desperate struggle to assert himself.
 “We thank Nigerians for the rousing welcome accorded the President in all locations where the campaign team had visited so far.  While the APC has continued to whip up sentiments and run a divisive campaign, we are satisfied with the show of love, support and solidarity shown by all Nigerians at our campaign venues. Finally, we shall not allow desperate people to distract us from our drive to connect with Nigerian people and lift them to greater heights.  This nonsense must stop,” the statement reads.
It will be recalled that the PDP presidential campaign rally in Bauchi state started off in controversy as angry youths reportedly stoned dignitaries, and threw hammers, stones and slippers.
Meanwhile, the APC has also had its fair share of attacks during campaign rallies. The opposition party was reportedly attacked by political thugs in Okrika, leaving equipment and canopies destroyed.