Sagir Haruna, who was deputy chief of staff to a former Gombe State governor, Ibrahim Dakwambo, and a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, tells CHIMA AZUBUIKE how his vehicle was allegedly vandalised by supporters of the All Progressives Congress during a PDP presidential rally at Pantami Stadium, Gombe
You alleged that your vehicle was destroyed by supporters of the APC at a PDP rally at Pantami Stadium. Were you at the stadium for the campaign?
Yes, I was there for the presidential campaign of our presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. He was there in Gombe for his campaign, especially to drum up support for the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2023 general elections.
How was your vehicle vandalised?
It was destroyed by suspected APC thugs while it was parked by the roadside. Due to the mammoth crowd, parking was difficult.
Were you in the parked vehicle?
I was not in the car, but my personal assistant who was in the car had to run away for his safety. I am sure if he didn’t do that, they (thugs) might have caused him bodily harm.
Did you report the attack to the police?
Sure. Immediately it happened, I reported the case to the police in Pantami Division. I’m very certain that the investigation is ongoing.
What outcome do you expect from the police investigation?
I will be happy if the police go after the culprit after a thorough investigation and thereafter prosecute the perpetrators of the heinous crime. This will to a large extent serve as a deterrent to those causing trouble at campaign grounds.
Is your party or the presidential campaign council of Atiku Abubakar aware of the incident?
I don’t know whether Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is aware or not but I reported it to my party leaders. The party’s secretariat is aware and the media also reported it. The news about the destruction of my car went viral across many platforms.
Why do you think you were a target of the attack?
It is just because I’m a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, a former House of Assembly member, and also a former deputy chief of staff. I have a great following among the electorates. Investigations revealed that it (the attack) was done on purpose to intimidate the opposition and it was alleged they were sent by a state youth leader in the All Progressives Congress.
How did you know the vandals were sponsored by the APC?
I said suspected APC thugs; it’s an allegation though, but some of them were identified as APC members by those that were at the crime scene, though the investigation is still going on. I saw some of them running after they had perpetrated the crime.
There is a growing concern over political violence among party supporters during campaigns in the country. What do you think can be done to address it?
Supporters should cultivate the attitude of being law-abiding. Campaigns should be done in an honest manner, and not create room for the destruction of the opposition’s property. We in the PDP will never encourage violence; we will continue to promote a peaceful electioneering process. However, we are confident that we will triumph in a rancor-free atmosphere because the people are tired of suffering and they know the PDP has got the solution to the many challenges bedeviling our country and state.
With the recent alleged attack, do you have any fear about participating in subsequent PDP rallies?
Never will I be discouraged by that act. It makes me more focused on rescuing Nigeria from APC’s misrule. That was the purpose of the attack – to create in the minds of the people a situation of violence, and chaos. With the destruction of my vehicle, they (the attackers) want the opposition to be scared and remain aloof from the happenings. It will shock them to know that we are not discouraged and we will never be until the wishes of the people become a reality. This has gingered us up to expect the unexpected but we are resolute that the wishes of the people are to elect Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for President and Muhammad Jibrin Barde as Governor as well as Dr Ibrahim Dankwambo as the senator for Gombe North.
Do you foresee peaceful elections with the level of political violence in the country?
It’s not going to be easy; the elections might be violent in some places, but it is the job of security agencies to ensure a peaceful atmosphere that will allow for a smooth electioneering process to hold. It is their duty to work in a way that will ensure that we have free, fair, and credible elections. I urge all well-meaning citizens to be prayerful for the elections to come and go peacefully. Supporting security agencies with credible information is the least we can do.
What are the chances of your presidential candidate at the poll?
Atiku Abubakar will win the election by the grace of Allah, across the whole country. This is because our candidate is a unifier and also well-accepted by the youth, women, elders, and elite. He is a detribalised Nigerian. A man of so many parts, he has over the years shown that he understands the issues affecting the country, and is one who will be willing to find lasting solutions to them. Talking about his chances, I believe his chances are bright. A vote for him will go a long way to ensure prosperity.
