CPC alleges plot to assassinate Marwa, Ribadu, others

With just over a week to Adamawa State governor-ship election, Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, has raised alarm over attempts to assassi-nate its flag bearer, Gene-ral Mohamed Marwa (rtd.), his running mate, Chief John Manasah, Senator Jubril Aminu, Boni Haruna and Mr. Nuhu Ribadu.

In a statement by Chief Manasah, Director-General of Marwa Campaign Organisation, CPC disclosed that it was in possession of a very disturbing report detailing the evil plots of one of the gubernatorial candidates.

CPC gave the names of others to be assassinated or kidnapped to include Chief Joel Madaki, Senator Folashade Bent, Alhaji Bawa Garba, Dr. Hassan Lawan, former governor Boni Haruna and General Haladu Hannaniya. The party alleged that several meetings were held in several places to strategise for the particular candidate.

The party also alleged that a committee, chaired by a former member of the National Assembly, was tasked with doing everything to ensure the candidate wins.

CPC alleged that another committee, charged with the task of kidnapping or elimination of General Marwa and others, was headed by the candidate.

The party said: “While we are calling on security agencies to take note and be proactive, we would like to warn the candidate concerned that we in CPC are not cowards or intimidated by these evil machinations.

“While we don’t have power, money or other instruments in our hands, God is certainly on our side. The people of Adamawa State are also with CPC. People require change, they need good and honest government that deliver dividends of democracy.

“To this end, we call on the good people of Adamawa State and our supporters to remain firm and vigilant. On our part, we wish to assure that we are for a free, fair and violence-free election.

“We want to make it clear that we shall resist any attempt by anyone to rig or snatch ballot boxes.

“We will always act within the provisions of the law.”

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Ministers, PDP chair, storm tribunal…as court summons INEC boss

The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal where the petition challenging the April 16 presidential election is being heard, yesterday, turned to a Mecca of sort, as several ministers and chieftains of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stormed the venue to show solidarity to President Goodluck Jonathan.

Among those in court yesterday were the Acting National Chairman of PDP, Abubakar Kawu Baraje, its former chairman and now Minister of Defence, Mohammed Haliru Bello, Minister of Police Affairs, Caleb Olubolade and Minister of Interior, Abba Moro. Meantime, the ministers who came to court shifted restlessly on their seats as four witnesses of CPC narrated how PDP allegedly rigged the presidential election in their various states.

The witnesses gave chilly accounts of how PDP allegedly sponsored thugs that snatched ballot boxes in several wards in Akwa Ibom, Kaduna, Calabar and Imo states. One of them, Mr Edeth Ineh Edeth, in his statement on oath, said he captured PDP agents in Akwa Ibom State, buying voters card on the day the presidential election held, using his cell phone. He said: “I was the polling agent for CPC in Unit 4 Ward 5 of Udung Uko LGA of Akwa Ibom State during the presidential election on April 16, 2011. 

The election was marred by corrupt practices such as buying of voters card from voters who came to vote by agents of the PDP and President Jonathan in the polling unit. “The agents of the 3rd and 5th respondents were seen, distributing money to voters in the polling booth.” Another witness, Mr Ubong Asuquo, alleged that the Akwa Ibom State Government, threatened to dethrone any traditional ruler that failed to deliver his community to President Jonathan, insisting that it was the threat that compelled the monarchs to besiege polling units with a view to ensuring that PDP won the election.

Meantime, the five-man panel of justices presiding over the matter, yesterday, summoned Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, to appear before it to adduce reasons why sensitive materials used in the conduct of the April 16 general election should not be produced before the tribunal for inspection. The Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs-led panel made the order on a day counsel to CPC, Mr. Oladipo Okpeseyi, SAN, withdrew an ex-parte application that was earlier filed by the petitioner.

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