The Periscope reporter
Adamawa state PDP factional chairman, Dr. Umar Ardo has accused the Adamawa state government of attacking him with his supporters in his residence in Yola, Adamawa state, northeast Nigeria.
Ardo, told newsmen Tuesday, that the Fintiri led government was after his life, where he alleged that the Secretary to Adamawa State Government Engr. Bashir Ahmad was the mastermind.
“You need to know that the violence on myself and my supporters was organised by Mr. Ahmad Bashir, the secretary to the state government. He tasked a renowned thug in the state called Dogo Galla to disrupt our meeting in my house,” Ardo said.
Ardo alleged that about 17 armed thugs led by Dogo hreatened his and his supporters’ lives should they continue holding their meeting.
“We were all sitting and discussing about the issues of our party and possible ways to address the political squabbles within the party.
“Suddenly, we heard skirmishes by the gate and towards the venue in my private house, only to come out to be attacked by some thugs who claimed to be sent by the state government through the SSG that our meeting was not in their interest and must stop.
“Before anyone could do anything, those hooligans, led by one known political thug nicknamed Dogo, started attacking people at their sight and smashing vehicles parked outside the house, resulting to injuring three people and vandalizing 6 vehicles.
“I immediately reported to the police commissioner who deployed some policemen and on sighting them, the thugs ran away but even some of the police confirmed they knew some of the thugs personally.
“We are not scared with their violent act and we are committed to forming our reformed PDP in the state because the present administration is not giving us the needed political results we desire. So, no one can claim monopoly of violence. We are equal to the task,” Ardo said.
The Periscope sought to here the side of the SSG’s story; whether or not Ardo’s allegation against him was valid. Though he was unable to pick the call, the SSG was able to respond to the text message; technically denying the allegation considered as something akin to a malicious libel.
“Kindly confirm if Umar Ardo knows me. Anyway, Just landing from a trip and on my way to Yola on Arik now; boarding already completed. You can meet me at the Yola international airport, in the next 1hr, if necessary. Thanks,” the SSG’ responded.
The Periscope could not join the SSG at the airport for additional information, to have also welcomed him. The Periscope has however confirmed that the SSG’ has been away for engagement abroad and was returning back; yet to be in Yola; the scene of the incident he allegedly masterminded.
While condemning the violent attack on Dr Umar Ardo and supporter, the Adamawa State government through governor Fintiri’s Director General, Media and Communications, Mr. Solomon Kumanga, assured that the Fintiri led government has zero tolerance to violence and political thuggery. She was instead, committed to promoting democratic ideals associated with the freedom of association and expression.
Kumangar has reiterated the government’s determination to ensure safety and security of life’s and properties of all and sundry irrespective of political affiliation or any other tendency.
Kumangar denied that the state government masterminded the Dr. Ardo’s attack, stressing that the leader of the thing mentioned in the saga, was not even a PDP member as Dr. Ardo alleged. He was a member of the opposition APC, Kumangar revealed
Kumangar expressed confidence that relevant security agencies would get to the root of the matter, since the complainant has reported the case to the police commissioner.
Confirming the occurrence to newsmen, the spokesman of the Adamawa police command, DSP Suleiman Nguroje said DR Ardo has personally lodged an official complaint over the attack on his person and his political associates while in a meeting at his house.
Nguroje said the commissioner of police Mr Audu Adamu Madaki has immediately directed the Area Commander and the DPO Karewa division to investigate the matter with a view to arresting those behind the crime.
“The police have since swung into action and anybody caught aiding and abetting the acts of brigandage and political hooliganism, will be brought to book as provided by the law of the land to serve as deterrent,” Nguroje said.