SOKOTO PDP SPEAKS OUT AGAINST VICTIMIZATION OF EX-GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

By Tunji Wusu –

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State has expressed concern about alleged victimization and harassment of its members and former government personnel during the administration of Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

In a statement, Hassan Sahabi Sanyinnawal, the party’s spokesperson, also voiced displeasure with the illegal involvement of security operatives who have been deployed to harass its members, including former local government council chairmen, Commissioners, and party leaders.

Specifically, the party expressed concern about the unnecessary intimidation and detention of its members by security officers over vehicles auctioned off by the previous administration.

The party recalled how previous governments (federal and state) implemented the monetization program of their departing officials by auctioning off official residences and vehicles in accordance with the law.

In the statement, Hassan stated, “We unequivocally state that, during the administration of former governor, Aliyu Wamakko, government officials, including the current governor, Ahmed Aliyu, who was the Commissioner for Health at the time, were assigned official vehicles for official duties.”

“After Aminu Tambuwal was elected governor, Wamakko’s appointees took the vehicles without any proof that they were auctioned off to them.” Tambuwal, on the other hand, turned away.

“At the end of Tambuwal’s tenure, official vehicles assigned to local government council chairmen, Commissioners, and other government functionaries were duly auctioned off to them, with proof.”

“We are determined to resist all unlawful attempts by any person or group to victimize or oppress our members and their families for political reasons.”

However, the PDP has watched how the Sokoto State governor, Ahmad Aliyu, and his party (APC), have used security personnel to harass PDP officials who lawfully bought the vehicles through auction.

The party leadership, on the other hand, urged the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the DSS, and the NSCDC to warn the heads of security services in Sokoto State against using their men for political vendetta.