By Ibrahim Abdul’ Aziz
A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State, Dr. Umar Ardo, escaped by whiskers when thugs attacked his residence in Yola, the state capital ,alleging that the PDP led government in the state is after his life.
Ardo precisely pointed accusing fingers towards the Secretary to the State Government, accusing him of mobilizing a renowned thug in the state, Dogo Galla to disrupt a meeting he is superintending in his house.
He said about 17 thugs bearing dangerous weapons were mobilized by Dogo and told them either disperse or face their wrath.
Ardo who made the scathing accusation at a press conference, in Yola, said he has already filed a formal complaint of threat to his life, his supporters and members of family to Adamawa State commissioner of police, for the law to take its proper course.
He disclosed that six vehicles as well as parts of his house including windows and the main gate were all vandalised while three of his supporters sustain varying degree of injury.
Ardo said the government of the state which was averse to the Reformed PDP he is superintending can never intimidate him adding that undemocratic forces never scare him no matter how formidable they may be.
He accused the Fintiri led government of of trying to hoist a reign of terror in the state noting that no amount of threat will make him to take a retreat.
“We were all sitting and discussing about the issues affecting us a party and possible ways to address the political squabbles within our party.
“Just suddenly we heard skirmishes by the gate and towards the venue in my private home, only to come out to be attacked by some thugs who claimed to be sent by the state government through the secretary to the state government that our meeting was not in their interest and must stop.
“Before any one can 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 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
‘’No we have zero tolerance against violence ‘’ State govt says
But in in a swift reaction, the government said it has zero tolerance against violence and thuggery and equally committed to promoting democratic ideals of freedom of association and expression.
The state government through governor Fintiri’s Director General, Media and Communications, Mr. Solomon Kumanga reiterated its determination to ensure safety and security of all and sundry irrespective of political affiliation or any other tendency.
Kumanga said the state government has nothing to do with the attack stressing that the leader of the hoodlums mentioned in the saga is a member of the opposition party, APC not PDP as claimed by the complainant.
He expressed confidence that the police will get to the root of the matter since the complainant has reported the case to the police commissioner.
Also confirming the development, spokesman of the Adamawa police command, DSP Suleiman Nguroje said DR Ardo has formally 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 immediately directed the Area commander and the DPO Karewa division to investigate the matter with a view to arresting whoever is behind the dastardly act.
“The police have since swung into action and any body caught abetting acts of brigandage and political hooliganism will be brought to book as provided by the law of the land to serve as deterrent to others,” Nguroje said.
