Nasarawa Governor Sule Orders Probe of Violent APC Rally

• Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule ordered an investigation into the violent disruption of an APC presidential rally in Lafia.
• The incident, which occurred on a Wednesday, reportedly left approximately 40 people injured.
• The probe targets the conduct of security agencies and individuals suspected of planning, sponsoring, or masterminding the violence.
• Governor Sule expressed concern over the use of tear gas and an alleged attack on the Vice President's convoy.
• The state government previously linked Umaru Al-Makura, a former governor and former senator who currently serves as the Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and SDP candidate Adamu Abubakar to the rally's disruption.

The governor explicitly instructed security agencies to summon and interrogate all individuals suspected of playing a role in the incident, irrespective of their prior positions or social standing.

Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has initiated an inquiry into the violent disruption that marred the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Lafia, the state capital. The incident, which occurred on a Wednesday, reportedly resulted in approximately 40 individuals sustaining injuries. The governor's directive for a comprehensive investigation was issued the following day during an expanded State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House in Lafia.

The rally experienced significant disorder, with Governor Sule specifically questioning the deployment of tear gas, particularly in the vicinity of the podium. Further reports cited an alleged assault on the Vice President's motorcade and the hurling of an object, believed to be a shoe, towards the platform where Vice President Shettima and other governors were present. These events prompted the governor to describe the disruption as both embarrassing and unacceptable, especially considering the Vice President's attendance on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Governor Sule's investigation order targets both the conduct of security agencies and individuals suspected of involvement in the violence. Through a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs, Ali Abare, the governor underscored the gravity of the situation, stating that the embarrassment extended not only to the state and the Presidential Campaign Council but also to the Vice President, representing the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This, he asserted, meant the matter could not be treated lightly.

The governor explicitly instructed security agencies to summon and interrogate all individuals suspected of playing a role in the incident, irrespective of their prior positions or social standing. He stressed that the inquiry must delve deeper than merely apprehending a few young suspects, insisting on the identification and accountability of those who allegedly orchestrated, funded, or masterminded the disruption. Governor Sule warned against allowing political disagreements to escalate into violence, cautioning that such developments pose a significant threat to the peace and stability of the state.

The state government had previously implicated specific high-profile figures in connection with the violence, including Umaru Al-Makura, a former governor and former senator, who currently serves as the Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), as well as the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate and former Inspector-General of Police, Adamu Abubakar. A separate statement from the Secretary to the State Government, Labaran Magaji, characterized the incident as a disgraceful act purportedly carried out by agitated youths with ties to prominent personalities. The government has consistently called for accountability regarding the events that disrupted the APC presidential campaign rally.

Governor Sule also voiced apprehension over intelligence suggesting that some individuals had pre-planned to disrupt the rally. While expressing concern, he also commended the military, the State Security Service (SSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for their intervention during the chaos. The governor clarified that the purpose of convening the State Executive Council meeting was to ensure that all concerns surrounding the violence were thoroughly presented before any subsequent actions were taken, highlighting broader anxieties about political violence and security management within the state.

Lawyers advising political parties, campaign organizations, or individuals involved in public gatherings should note the heightened focus on accountability for political violence, including potential legal action against organizers and sponsors. This investigation signals increased scrutiny of public order offenses and the conduct of security agencies during election periods in Nigeria.

Source: Original reporting via Premium Times