Mark slams APC, condemns attacks on PDP

Senate President David Mark yesterday condemned the All
Progressives Congress (APC)’s persistent attacks on Presi­
dent Goodluck Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP) campaign train describing the act as “despicable.”
President Jonathan’s aides and the PDP campaign train were
reportedly attacked in Katsina, Kano and Bauchi states by
thugs believed to be supporters of the opposition political
party.
Senator Mark said the attacks on the PDP is an affront on
democracy and a betrayal of the peace pact entered into by
the political parties and their candidates.
Also, Federal Capital Territory Administration Minister, Senator
Bala Mohammed and Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu in
separate remarks urged Nigerians to remain steadfast with the
PDP.
The Senate President, who spoke at the flag-off of FCT PDP’s
presidential and national assembly campaigns in Bwari Area
Council on Friday said the conduct of supporters of the
opposition party is condemnable by any right-thinking member
of the society.
“We condemn this unwarranted, despicable and violent attacks
on the PDP and its candidates. They have campaigned in
other parts of the country without molestation. We should be
allowed to campaign freely. The opposition must stop this
desperation and allow Nigerians to decide.
“This election must not be a do-or die-affair. The campaign is
an avenue to tell the electorate what you have done and what
you intend to do for them. It should not be turned to a battle
field.
“Any democracy that stops Nigerians from moving round freely
is not the type of democracy we want. Nigerians must be free
to go to the south and to the North without hinderance. Those
who want to encourage hatred amongst Nigerians must think
twice. We must allow for freedom of movement.
“We must allow people to campaign anywhere they want.
Those of us who are at the helm of affairs must take full
responsibility for any misconduct or misdemeanor of our
supporters or followers.”