Plateau PDP Elders Accuse Security Of Compromising In Massacre Of Natives 

Yakubu Busari

Elders of People Democratic Party Plateau has accused secured personnel of compromising their position that led to death of over 200 people in Plateau.

In a press conference held at the PDP Secretariat they dwelled on these issues below:

Plateau killings:

Meeting noted with great pains the senseless killings recently experienced in Gashish District in Barkin Ladi LGA; Mararaban Kantoma in Mangu LGA; and in Bokkos LGA.

We lament the incessant butchering of human lives and attendant destruction of homes and properties of the ordinary citizens of Nigeria, from Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Nassarawa, Taraba, Adamawa, Zamfara etc, which have gone on for too long, with no concrete plan or clear roadmap to suggest that the Government is serious beyond the assurances and promises. We need more than assurances and promises of tracking down these criminals by the President. We note that much as these assurances are needed, they have become irrelevant in the face of continues attacks that have claimed countless lives.

It is lamentable that communities can be attacked and hundred slaughtered for over 48 hours without any immediate provision of rescue efforts. This obviously points to the fact that the Nation’s security system has been compromised, and that government lacks the will and capacity to resolve these challenges to peace and security. Yet, as clearly provided for in our Constitution, “the security and welfare of the people is the primary purpose of government” (Section 14 (2b), 1999 Constitution As Amended. The frequency and quantum of these despicable bloodletting attacks on innocent communities makes a mockery of the much taunted ‘Security’ Mantra of the present administration. We also find the mockery of the sanctity of human life totally unacceptable and stands vehemently condemned.

We demand the immediate pursuit of the criminals under whatever guise or name, the disarmament of the occupied Communities and rehabilitation of Rankum (Mahanga) Fass, Gashish, Shong, Tanti and Exland (Gindin Akwati), all in Barkin Ladi LGA, amongst others in the State.

We join similar voices across the length and breadth of the land to call on President Buhari to use his moral and constitutional responsibility as President, Commander-in-Chief to protect our people and the land from these ruthless and inhuman attacks. We insist that the perpetrators and sponsors of these heinous crimes against humanity be arrested and brought to justice, as these is the essence of the rule of law. This is the only full proof guarantee of their safety and security, and the only way to rebuild confidence in their leader as one capable of defending them at all times.

We frown at any move, indirectly or directly, to hide the reality on ground

We mourn with the Plateau people, and indeed, Nigerians, the unacceptable deaths of these innocents Nigerians. We express our deep condolences to the families, the people and leaders of the affected communities, and pray that their deaths will ignite a resolve on our part to rise up against evil and the wanton wasting of precious lives.

Zoning of Governorship:

The Meeting noted with satisfaction the resolution of the State Executive Committee (SEC) to zone the Governorship and other notable positions in Government for the purposes of the 2019 general elections, we commend the courage of the State Working Committee (SWC) in contemplating zoning in the first instance.

We invite all Party Faithful to join hands with the leadership of this great Party and work assiduously to take back power in the elections ahead. We equally call on the Leadership to create a level plain field to all aspirants to the various offices and positions as a safeguard towards avoiding what they failed the Party in 2015.

Further extension of the tenure of Local Government Transition Committees:

We note with a sense of worry the extension of the tenure of the present Local Government Transition Committees by one month.

We lament these continuous rape on democracy by forcing leaders on the people at the third tier of government. This seemingly unending unconstitutional tenure of transition committee since 2016 is clearly a mockery of the much talked about peace the APC government claims to have brought with their inauguration in 2015.

We commend the PDP members of the State House of Assembly for opposing this unconstitutional extension of the tenure of the Management Committees as they have once again demonstrated the Party’s resolve to stand with democratic ethos and the Rule of law.

Recent developments in the ruling APC:

We note with keen interest the emergence of the reformed All Progressive Congress (RAPC), a splinter group of the ruling APC, with notable figures in government as actors.

While we watch the unfolding drama and the ‘collapse of the dam’, we call on all those who left our great party to return home as the umbrella has been rebranded to not only accommodate all, but achieve greater democratic gains.

Appointment of Ambassador Fedelis Tapgun as Member, Board of Trustees of the Party:

The Meeting noted with a sense of pride the appointment of it’s Chairman, Amb. Fedelis N. Tapgun, as member of the board of trustees of the party.

We salute the State Working Committee for ensuring that all senatorial Districts in the State are represented at the highest level of the Party’s leadership by ceding the additional slot given to the State to the Southern Senatorial District.

The State Executive Committee:

We note with great satisfaction and commendation the gains made by the party in the State as a result of the focused leadership provided by this organ of the Party under the leadership of Hon. D.T. Sango. We urge you to remain unrelenting in not only keeping the party waxing stronger and stronger, but preparing it for greater electoral gain as we journey towards 2019.

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