The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized the Borno State Government for demolishing a plaza owned by Attom Magira, a chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). The party described the demolition as a “wicked, cowardly act” aimed at silencing opposition voices in the state.
In a statement released on Saturday, PDP’s State Publicity Secretary, Amos Adziba, accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government of political intolerance and using state power to intimidate opposition members.
PDP Rejects Government’s Justification
The Borno State Government and the Borno State Geographic Information Service had given reasons for the demolition, but the PDP dismissed them as “baseless, false, and incongruous.”
“They fail to add up to justify the ferocious invasion, harassment of citizens, and demolition of the said property,” the PDP statement said.
According to Adziba, the state government could not wait for the outcome of an ongoing court case regarding the property because “it knows that it is pursuing an illegal agenda.”
“The APC-led Borno State Government has been harassing and dragging Attom Magira around over trumped-up charges simply because he dares to stand for the people and challenge the misrule of the APC and its cabal,” Adziba added.
Demolition Conducted Under the Cover of Darkness
The PDP also criticized the timing of the demolition, stating that it was carried out at night to avoid public scrutiny.
“The timing of the invasion and demolition, in the wee hours and under the cover of darkness, is a direct indication that the state government was carrying out an unwholesome and condemnable operation,” Adziba stated.
The opposition party further accused the ruling APC of making it a policy to destroy properties belonging to opposition figures and those who challenge its authority.
“The APC and Borno State Government should perish their idea of using false claims and propaganda to justify their wicked act and take over the property,” the statement said.
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Ongoing Political Tensions in Borno
The demolition follows a series of legal and political battles between Attom Magira and the Borno State Government.
In February, Governor Babagana Zulum ordered Magira’s arrest over a billboard sponsored by his supporters. The billboard, which carried Magira’s image and the slogan “Say Yes To Merger,” was reportedly destroyed by unidentified individuals.
Magira was later charged in court with impersonation and inciting public disturbance. The state government accused him of falsely presenting himself as a governor by using the title “His Excellency” on the billboard. The prosecution, led by the state’s Attorney General, Hauwa Abubakar Isa, argued that the billboard’s message could lead to public unrest.
PDP Stands with Magira
Despite the legal troubles and the loss of his property, the PDP assured Magira of its full support. The party warned the state government against further acts of intimidation.
“The PDP cautions the APC and the Borno State Government against crossing the boundaries and stretching the forbearance of the people, which is already causing tension that could trigger serious unrest in the state,” the statement read.
The opposition party urged Nigerians to take note of what it called the APC’s pattern of using force against political opponents.
“This demolition is not an isolated event. The APC has made it a policy to go after opposition leaders and other Nigerians perceived to be against their oppressive administration,” the PDP stated.